CORRECT 

BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

AND 
BUSINESS  ENGLISH 


JOSEPHINE  TURCK  BAKER 


SB    2flO    MflM 


CORRECT 
BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

AND 

BUSINESS  ENGLISH 


BT 

JOSEPHINE  TUKCK  BAKER 

AUTHOR  OF 

Correct  English:  A  Complete  Grammar;  The  Correct  Word:  How 
Use  It;  Correct  English  in  the  School;  Correct  English  in  the 
Home;  Ten  Thousand  Words:  How  to  Pronounce  Them> 
How  Can  I  Increase  My  Vocabulary;  Art  of  Con- 
versation: Art  of  Social  Letter  Writing,  etc., 
and    Editor   of    the    Magazine  COR- 
ENGLISH:  How  to  Use  it. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

CORRECT  ENGLISH  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 
CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS 


NEW  EDITION,  1917 

Copyright 

1911 
JOSEPHINE  TURCK  BAKES 


CONTENTS 

CORRECT  FORMS  IN   BUSINESS  LETTERS. 

Models  of  Headings,  Introductions,  Conclusions,  and  Superscrip- 
tions for  Business  Letters  to  both  men  and  women  (married  and 

unmarried),    Individuals,    Firms,    and    Corporations 5-18 

TITLES   USED   IN   SECULAR   PROFESSIONS 19 

To  the  President  of  a  College,  To  a  Professor,  To  a  Doctor,  To  a 

Lawyer 20-21 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  AND  THE  SUPERSCRIPTION 
OF  LETTERS  TO  THE  CLERGY. 

To  a  Cardinal,  To  an  Archbishop.  To  a  Bishop,  To  a  Rector,  To  a 
Priest,  To  a  Clergyman,  To  a  Female  Superior  of  a  Religious 

Order,  To  a  Female  Member  of  a  Religious  Order 22-25 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  AND  THE  SUPERSCRIPTION 

OF   LETTERS   TO    GOVERNMENT   OFFICIALS. 

To  the  President,  To  the  Vice  President,  To  the  Speaker  of  the 

House  of  Representatives,   To  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  United 

States,   To  the  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court,  To  the  Cabinet 

Officers,  To  Members  of  Congress 26-28 

THE   BODY  OF  THE  LETTER. 
The  Form. 
The  Initial  Word. 
The  Paragraph. 
The  Structure. 
The  Connective. 

The  Tabulated  List 28-32 

The  Writing  of  Amounts  in  Business  Letters  (Contracts,  advertise- 
ments, etc.)-  When  written  in  full  followed  by  figure  in  paren- 
thesis; when  written  in  full  without  figures;  when  written  with 

figures  alone 33-35 

LETTERS  AND  ADVERTISEMENTS  EXEMPLIFYING  THE  WRIT- 

ING  OF  NUMBERS 36,37 

THE  CONCLUSION  OF  A  LETTER. 

The  Complimentary  Close,  the  Signature 37,  38 

MODELS  FOR  THE  COMPLIMENTARY  CLOSE 38,39 

Models  for  the  Signature. 
Of  an  Individual. 
Of  a  Firm. 
Of  an  Unmarried  Woman. 

Of  a  Married  Woman 40-42 

THE  SUPERSCRIPTION. 
The  Contents. 
The  Position. 

Punctuation 42-44 

THE  IDEAL  BUSINESS  LETTER— WHAT  IT  SHOULD  BE     ...     41-54 
CAPITALIZATION. 

Rules  and  Illustrations 55-57 

GEOGRAPHICAL    NAMES,    HOW    TO    CAPITALIZE    THEM      .      .      .     58-60 
PUNCTUATION. 

Rules  and  Illustrations 61-67 

BUSINESS   ENGLISH    FOR  THE   BUSINESS   MAN. 

Comprehensive  Alphabetic  List  of  Business  Words  and  Expressions  68-100 
ABBREVIATIONS,    COMPLETE    ALPHABETIC    LIST     ....     .101-164 

ABBREVIATIONS    OF    MONTHS    AND    STATES 165-170 

THE   HYPHEN .167,168 

BUSINESS   COMPOUND  WORDS;   HOW  TO  WRITE  THEM. 

Complete  Alphabetic  List 171-209 


384597 


FOREWORD. 

The  business  man  and  the  commercial  student  are 
vitally  interested  in  the  subject  of  Correct  Letter- Writ- 
ing, not  only  because  one's  business  success  is  facilitated 
by  the  ability  to  write  correctly,  but  because  the  written 
word  bears  the  impress  of  the  education  and  culture  of 
the  writer.  Every  progressive,  intelligent  person  is  con- 
cerned about  his  English,  for  just  as  his  deportment  evi- 
dences his  breeding,  in  a  like  manner,  his  letter  betokens 
either  his  illiteracy  or  his  culture.  ' 

The  first  essential  in  the  writing  of  business  letters 
is  an  understanding  of  correct  usage  as  applied  to  both 
form  and  construction.  In  this  text,  the  author  has 
aimed  to  set  forth  the  requisites  of  correct  business 
letter-writing  by  covering,  in  the  main,  the  following 
subjects : 

Correct  models  of  the  Heading,  the  Introduction,  and 
the  Conclusion  of  letters;  Paragraphing;  Capitalization; 
Abbreviations  (a  complete  alphabetic  list) ;  Business 
Usage  as  applied  to  special  forms  of  diction. 

That  this  text  may  serve  its  purpose  as  a  desk-book 
of  ready  reference  on  correct  business  letter-writing 
and  business  English,  for  both  the  business  man  and  the 
commercial  student,  is  the  earnest  wish  of  the  author, 

J.  T.  B. 


CORRECT  FORMS  FOR  BUSINESS  LETTERS 

ESSENTIAL  PARTS  OF  A  LETTER. 

The  essential  parts  of  a  letter  are  as  follows: 

1.  The  HEADING. 

2.  The  INTRODUCTION. 

3.  The  BODY  of  the  letter, 

4.  The  CONCLUSION. 

5.  The  SUPERSCRIPTION. 

Definition  of  Terms. 

The  HEADING  of  a  letter  consists  of  the  name  of  the 
place  at  which  the  letter  is  written,  and  the  date  when 
it  is  written. 

The  INTRODUCTION  of  a  letter  consists  of  the  address 
of  the  person  to  whom  the  letter  is  written,  and  the  salu- 
tation. 

The  BODY  of  a  letter  is  that  which  contains  the  written 
communication. 

The  CONCLUSION  of  a  letter  consists  of  the  compli- 
mentary close  and  the  signature. 

The  SUPERSCRIPTION  of  a  letter  is  the  address  on  the 
envelope. 

MODEL. 

Milwaukee,  Wis.,  October  15,  19 
Messrs.  Gould  &  Lincoln, 
Madison,  Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter  of  the  12th  inst.,  inclosing  check  of 
$25.00  in  full  payment  of  your  account,  is  received. 


6  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Thanking  you  for  your  promptness  in  remitting,  and 
hoping  to  receive  further  orders  from  you,  we  are 

Very  truly  yours, 

A.  L.  Johnson  &  Co. 
By  Sec. 

The  Heading. 

The  name  of  the  town  is  not  abbreviated,  and  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  comma. 

The  name  of  the  state  is  abbreviated,  and  is  followed 
by  a  period  and  a  comma. 

The  name  of  the  month  may  or  may  not  be  abbrevi- 
ated. When  it  is  abbreviated,  it  is  followed  by  a  period ; 
otherwise,  it  is  not  punctuated. 

The  day  of  the  month  is  followed  by  a  comma. 

The  date  of  the  year  is  followed  by  a  period. 

The  Introduction. 

Note  that  Messrs,  is  followed  by  a  period,  it  being  an 
abbreviation  of  Messieurs  (gentlemen). 

Note  that  the  name  of  the  firm  "Messrs.  Gould  & 
Lincoln "  is  followed  by  a  comma. 

Note  that  Madison  is  followed  by  a  comma. 

Note  that  Wisconsin  is  abbreviated  and  followed  by 
a  period.  Compare  this  with  the  marks  of  punctuation 
in  the  address  above. 

Note  that  Gentlemen  is  followed  by  a  colon ;  note  also 
its  position. 

The  Body  of  the  Letter. 

Note  that  the  form  th  is  used  in  the  body  of  the  let- 
ter, but  not  in  the  heading.  It  is  not  necessary  to  use 
the  forms  1st,  2d,  3d,  10th,  15th,  22d  when  the  name  of 
the  month  is  given,  the  present  tendency  being  to  omit 
them.  When  employed  without  the  name  of  the  month, 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  7 

they  should  not  be  followed  by  a  period,  as  they  are  not 
abbreviations. 

Note  that  we  write  2d,  3d,  and  not  2nd,  3rd. 

Note  that  inst.  is  followed  by  a  period,  as  it  is  an 
abbreviation. 

Note  the  comma  after  you. 

The  comma  is  omitted  after  am,  are,  oblige  and  re- 
main. 

The  Conclusion. 

Note  that  neither  truly  nor  yours  is  capitalized. 
Note  the  comma  after  yours. 


MODELS  FOR  THE  HEADING  OF  BUSINESS  LETTERS. 

The  HEADING  should  contain  the  full  postal  address 
of  the  writer.  When  long,  it  should  be  written  on  three 
lines ;  if  not  very  long,  it  may  be  written  either  on  two  or 
three  lines ;  when  short,  on  one  or  two  lines. 


MODEL  1. 

1201  Massachusetts  Avenue, 
Boston,  Mass., 
October  15,19.. 


MODEL  2. 

201  Summit  Ave.,  Boston,  Mass., 
October  15, 1908. 

OK 

201  Summit  Avenue, 
Boston,  Mass., 
October  15,  19.. 


8  COBBECT  BUSINESS  LETTEB  WBITING 

MODEL  3. 

Kewanee,  111., 
October  15,  19.. 

OB 
Kewanee,  111.,  Oct.  15,  19.. 

Note. — If  the  number  of  the  post-office  box  is  neces- 
sary, the  following  is  used : 

Box  554, 
Avondale,  Mass., 
Oct.  15, 19.. 

OB 

Box  554,  Avondale,  Mass., 
October  15, 19.. 

If  the  name  of  the  county  is  necessary,  the  following 
is  used: 

Monroe,  Green  Co.,  Wis., 
October  15,  19. . 

NOTES. 

1.  The  number  of  a  street  is  indicated  in  figures; 
the  street  itself  when  expressed  in  numbers  is  written 
in  figures  if  the  number  is  large;  if  small  (less  than  one 
hundred),  the  number  is  written  in  full;  as,  1210  151st 
Street  (or  St.);  1201  Fifty-first  Street  (or  St.). 

2.  A  part  of  the  heading  should  not  be  used  at  the 
beginning  of  the  letter,  and  the  rest  at  the  close.    The 
following  is  objectionable : 

Boston,  Mass. 


#     *     #     * 


Yours  very  truly, 
John  Brown, 

1201  Summit  Ay^e. 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  9 

3.  The  name  of  the  town  should  never  be  abbrevi- 
ated.    The  name  of  the  state  is  generally  abbreviated 
unless  short;  Maine  and  Ohio  should  be  written  in  full. 

4.  The  date  should  be  represented  by  words,  not  by 
figures;  thus:  October  (or  Oct.)  15,  1910,  not  10—15—10. 

5.  When  the  heading  consists  of  more  than  one  line, 
the  date  should  be  placed  on  a  separate  line,  as  in  the 
headings  above ;  the  following  is  incorrect : 

201  Summit  Ave., 

Boston,  Mass.,  Oct.  15,  19. .. 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  OF  BUSINESS  LETTERS  TO 

MEN. 

To  an  Individual. 

MODEL. 

Mr.  John  B.  Brown, 
1221  Michigan  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Mr.  John  B.  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  letter,  etc. 

To  Firms. 

MODEL  1. 

Messrs.  Lyon  &  Healy, 
245  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 


10  COEBECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Messrs.  Lyon  &  Healy, 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

MODEL  2. 

/ 

Messrs.  A.  C.  McClurg  &  Co., 
218  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Messrs.  A.  C.  McClurg  &  Co., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

MODEL  3. 

Messrs.  Brown,  Grey  &  Co., 
2205  Dearborn  St., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Messrs.  Brown,  Grey  &  Co., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

When  the  introduction  consists  of  four  lines,  the  body 
of  the  letter  frequently  begins  on  the  same  line  as  the 
salutation;  a  dash  then  follows  the  colon.  Sometimes 
the  dash  is  used  when  the  body  of  the  letter  is  not  on 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  11 

the  same  line  as  the  salutation,  but  the  present  tendency 
is  to  omit  it.    Thus : 

Mr.  John  Brown, 

220  Dearborn  St., 

Chicago,  111. 

Dear  Sir :  Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Mr.  John  Brown, 
220  Dearborn  St., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

The  following  are  correct  salutations  for  business 
letters  to  men : 

Singular.  Plural. 

Dear  Sir:    (formal) 

My  dear  Sir :    (more  formal)  Gentlemen : 

Sir:    (most  formal) 

Note. — Gentlemen  is  preferred  to  Dear  Sirs,  when  ad- 
dressing either  a  firm  or  a  corporation.  Sirs  is  always 
objectionable.  In  business  letters,  where  a  cordial  rela- 
tion exists,  it  is  correct  to  use  the  salutation,  '  *  My  dear 
Mr.  Blank/'  "My  dear  Friend, "  or  "Dear  Friend "  is 
objectionable.  My  is  necessarily  omitted  from  all  saluta- 
tions, whether  formal  or  informal,  when  the  letter  is 
written  in  the  plural  and  signed  by  a  company  or  a  firm. 

To  Corporations. 

The  Correct  English  Publishing  Company, 
Evanston,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Your  letter,  etc. 


12  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Note  1. — The  title  Messrs,  is  used  before  firm  names 
ending  with  "&  Co."  Messrs,  is  not  used  when  &  is 
omitted.  Compare  the  foregoing  model  with  those  which 
precede  it. 

Note  2. — When  addressing  a  corporation,  the  article 
the  must  be  used,  if  employed  by  the  company ;  the  word 
company  is  written  in  full.  When  &  precedes  company, 
the  latter  may  be  abbreviated. 

Note  3. — While  the  number  and  the  name  of  the  street 
are  often  omitted  from  the  address,  the  name  of  the 
town  and  of  the  state  is  generally  employed;  thus:  the 
foregoing  models  are  preferable  to  the  following : 

Mr.  John  Brown, 
Dear  Sir: 

Note  4. — The  salutation  is  sometimes  followed  by  a 
comma  and  a  dash,  or  simply  by  a  comma.  The  use  of 
the  comma  is  regarded  as  less  formal  than  that  of  the 
colon,  and  so  is  more  especially  adapted  to  letters  of  a 
friendly  or  an  informal  nature.  In  letters  of  a  strictly 
business  nature,  the  colon  is  preferable.  Again,  there 
is  a  growing  tendency  to  use  the  colon  in  all  letters  for- 
mal and  informal,  whether  of  a  business  or  a  social 
nature.  When  the  comma  is  used,  or  the  comma  and  the 
dash,  the  address  is  then  placed  at  the  bottom  of  the  let- 
ter and  at  the  left  side  of  the  page ;  thus : 
My  dear  Mr.  Brown, 

Your  letter,  etc. 

#     *     * 

Very  sincerely  yours, 


Mr.  John  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
OB 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  13 


My  dear  Mr.  Brown, 

Your  letter,  etc. 

#     *     * 

Very  sincerely  yours, 


Mr.  John  Brown, 
2020  Michigan  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 

The  following  model  is  suggested  as  in  accordance 
with  the  present  tendency;  namely,  to  use  the  colon  even 
when  the  letter  is  informal : 

My  dear  Mr.  Brown : 

Your  letter,  etc. 
»    *    • 

Very  sincerely  yours, 


Mr.  John  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 


MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  OF  BUSINESS  LETTERS  TO 
MARRIED  WOMEN. 

To  an  Individual. 

Mrs.  John  J.  Brown, 
330  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Madam : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Mrs.  John  J.  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Madam: 

Your  letter,  etc. 


14  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

To  a  Firm. 

Mesdames  Brown  &  Gray, 
330  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Ladies : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Mesdames  Brown  &  Gray, 
Chicago,  111. 
Ladies : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  OF  BUSINESS  LETTERS  TO 
UNMARRIED  WOMEN. 

MODEL  1. 

Miss  Mary  Brown, 
330  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Madam: 

OR 

Miss  Mary  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Madam : 

MODEL  2. 

Miss  Mary  Brown, 
330  S.  Wabash  Ave., 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Miss  Brown : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OR 

Miss  Mary  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Miss  Brown : 

Your  letter,  etc. 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  15 

MODEL  3. 

Miss  Mary  Brown 
3305  Wabash  Ave. 
Chicago,  111. 
My  dear  Miss  Brown : 

Your  letter,  etc. 

OB 

Miss  Mary  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 
My  dear  Miss  Brown: 
Your  letter,  etc. 

Salutations  for  Married  Women. 
SINGULAE. 

Dear  Madam:  (formal) 

My  dear  Madam:   (more  formal) 

Madam:  (most  formal) 

PLURAL. 
Ladies : 

Salutations  for  Unmarried  Women. 
SINGULAR. 

Dear  Miss  Blank:  (formal) 

My  dear  Miss  Blank:  (more  formal) 

Dear  Madam:   (most  formal) 

PLURAL. 
Ladies : 

The  title  Madam  is  now  generally  used  when  address- 
ing unmarried  as  well  as  married  women,  especially  when 
the  woman  occupies  a  dignified  position  or  is  elderly.  Be- 
cause of  the  association  of  this  title  with  dignity  and 
age,  many  writers  use  it  only  when  addressing  a  woman 


16  CORRECT  BUSTNESS  LETTER  WRITING 

known  to  hold  a  position  of  importance,  using  instead 
"My  dear  Miss  Blank." 

MODELS    FOR    THE    INTRODUCTION    OF    LETTERS    IN    WHICH 
BUSINESS    TITLES    ARE    REQUIRED. 

Business  Titles. 

MODEL  1. 

Mr.  James  B.  Blank, 
President,  U.  S.  Mfg.  Co. 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir:    Your  letter,  etc. 

MODEL  2. 

Mr.  B.  H.  Brown, 
Department  Manager,  111.  Mfg.  Co. 
Dear  Sir: 
Your  letter,  etc. 

Although  many  persons  write  the  title  immediately 
after  the  person 's  name,  the  forms  given  above  are 
preferable,  for  the  reason  that  the  title  of  President  or 
Manager,  for  example,  is  not  separated  from  the  name 
of  that  which  is  presided  over  or  managed. 

The  titles  may  be  abbreviated  to  read,  respectively, 
Pres.  and  Dept.  Mgr. 

The  comma  after  the  title  (President,  Manager)  in- 
dicates the  omission  of  of  and  the. 

SPECIAL  FORMS  OF  INTRODUCTIONS. 
1.     Brown  &  Green,  Inc. 

1.  Messrs.  Brown  &  Green,  Inc., 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen : 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  17 

2.  Firm   Composed   of  a    Man    (or   Men)    and    Married   Woman    (or 

Women). 

2.  Mr.  John  Gray  &  Mrs.  Jane  Brown, 
Chicago,  111. 

Dear  Sir  and  Madam: 

Messrs.  Gray  &  Black  and  Mesdames  Brown  & 

White, 
Chicago,  111. 
Gentlemen  and  Ladies : 

3.  Firm  Composed  of  a  Man   (or  Men)  and   Unmarried  Woman   (or 

Women). 

3.  Use  Miss  and  Misses  in  the  place  of  Messrs,  and 
Mesdames. 

4.  Firm  Composed  of  a  Married  Woman   (or  Women)  and  a  Single 

Woman  (or  Women). 

4.  Mrs.  John  Brown  &  Miss  Jane  Green, 
Chicago,  111. 

Ladies : 

Mesdames  Brown  &  White  &  Miss  Green, 

Chicago,  111. 

Ladies : 

Mrs.  John  Brown  &  Misses  Green  &  White, 

Chicago,  111. 

Ladies : 

5.     Firm  Composed  of  Two  or  More  Unmarried  Women. 

5.  Misses  Green  &  White, 
Chicago,  111. 

Ladies : 

€.     Firm  Composed  of  Two  or  More  Married  Women. 

6.  Mesdames  Brown,  White  &  Green, 
Chicago,  111. 

Ladies : 


18  COREECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

7.     The  Toggery. 

7.  The  Toggery, 
Chicago,  111. 
No  salutation. 

8.     A  Clergyman  and  His  Wife, 

8.  Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray, 
Chicago,  111. 

Dear  Sir  and  Madam: 

OR 
Dear  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Gray  (or  My  dear,  etc.). 

9.     A  Doctor  and  His  Wife. 

9.  Dr.  John  and  Mrs.  Blank, 
Chicago,  111. 

Dear  Sir  and  Madam : 

OR 
Dear  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Blank: 

10.     Moore  &  Moore  Iron  Works. 

10.  Moore  &  Moore  Iron  Works, 
Chicago,  111. 

No  salutation. 

11.     H.  R.  Edland's  Electrical  Works. 

11.  H.  R.  Edland's  Electrical  Works, 
Chicago,  111. 

No  salutation. 

12.     San  Pedro  Meat  Market 

12.  San  Pedro  Meat  Market, 
Chicago,  111. 

No  salutation. 

13.     Thompson's  (Business  Firm). 

13.  Thompson's, 
Chicago,  111. 

No  salutation,  store  being  understood. 

Note. — By  prefacing  10,  11,  12  and  13  with  Manager,  a  salutation 
[Dear  Sir]  may  be  used. 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  1& 

14.    John  Wanamaker. 

14.  Mr.  John  Wanamaker, 
New  York  City. 
Dear  Sir: 

TITLES  USED  IN  SECULAR  PROFESSIONS. 
To  the  President  of  a  College. 

President  John  L.  Blank,  LL.  D., 
Northwestern  University, 
Evanston,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

Note. — If  the  president  of  the  college  is  a  clergyman, 
the  first  line  of  the  address  should  read : 
Eeverend  John  L.  Blank,  LL.  D., 
President,  Northwestern  University, 
Evanston,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

Note. — Other  forms  of  the  salutation  are  "  Eeverend 
and  Dear  Sir"  and  " Reverend  Doctor." 

To  a  Professor. 

Professor  John  Blank,  Ph.  D., 
Department  of  Chemistry, 
Northwestern  University, 
Evanston,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

In  the  case  of  intimacy,  the  salutation  may  read :  "My 
dear  Professor,"  or  "My  dear  Professor  Blank."  (Pro- 
fessor must  be  written  in  full  in  both  instances.) 

OR 

Dr.  John  Blank, 
Professor  of  Chemistry, 
Northwestern  University, 
Evanston,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 


20  COEEECT  BUSINESS  LETTEE  WEITING 

In  case  of  intimacy,  the  salutation  may  read:  "My 
dear  Doctor  (or  Dr.)  Blank,"  or  "My  dear  Doctor."  If 
the  name  is  omitted,  Doctor  must  be  written  in  full. 

Note. — The  title  of  Doctor  is  used  only  if  the  holder 
is  properly  entitled  to  it. 

The  title  of  Professor  is  properly  employed  only 
when  the  teacher  holds  a  scholastic  degree. 

To  a  Physician. 

Dr.  John  Blank, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

OB 

John  Blank,  M.  D., 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

In  case  of  intimacy,  the  salutation  may  read:  "My 
dear  Doctor  (or  Dr.)  Blank."  If  the  name  is  omitted, 
Doctor  must  be  written  in  full. 

Note  2. — It  is  not  correct  to  use  the  title  Mr.  or  Dr. 
when  the  degree  M.  D.  is  used ;  thus :  *  '  Mr.  Hiram  Smith, 
M.  D.,"  or  "Dr.  Hiram  Smith,  M.  D.,"  must  never  be 
used. 

To  a  Lawyer. 

Mr.  John  Blank, 
Attorney  at  Law, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 

OB 

John  Blank,  Esq., 
Attorney  at  Law, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir: 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  21 

Note. — The  title  may  immediately  follow  the  name; 
as,  "John  Blank,  Esq." 

The  double  title  " Mr.  John  Brown,  Esq.,"  is  incorrect. 

In  the  case  of  women  holding  official  positions  or 
possessing  titles,  the  same  rules  obtain  as  in  the  case  of 
men.  Thus,  a  woman  is  addressed  as  Doctor  or  Pro- 
fessor, etc.,  the  same  as  if  she  were  a  man. 

Esq.  applies  especially  to  members  of  the  legal  pro- 
fession. It  is  often  used,  however,  interchangeably  with 
Mr. 


MODELS. 

Miss  Mary  Gray,  A.  M., 
President,  Wayland  College, 
Wayland,  Ohio. 
Dear  Madam: 


Note. — When  there  is  sufficient  acquaintance,  the  form 
"Dear  Miss  Blank,"  or  "My  dear  Miss  Blank,"  may  be 
used. 

Mrs.  Mary  Blank,  Ph.  D., 
Professor  of  English  Literature, 
Wayland  College, 
Wayland,  Ohio. 
Dear  Madam: 

Dr.  Mary  Blank, 
Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Madam: 


Note. — In  the  models  that  follow  (pp.22-28)  the  parts 
may  be  margined  up  as  in  letters  to  business  firms.  Many 
writers,  however,  prefer  to  use  the  older  style. 


22  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  AND  THE  SUPERSCRIPTION 
OF  LETTERS  TO  THE  CLERGY. 

To  a  Cardinal. 

(Introduction.) 

To  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Blank, 
Cathedral,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Most  Eminent  Sir: 

Note. — Another  form  of  the   salutation   may   read, 
"Most  Eminent  and  Eeverend  Sir." 

(Conclusion.) 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 
Most  Eminent  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  BROWN. 

Note. — Sometimes  the  complimentary  close  is  ampli- 
fied as  follows : 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 
Most  Eminent  Sir, 
With  profound  respect, 
Your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 
JOHN  BKOWN. 


To  an  Archbishop. 

(Introduction.) 

Most  Eeverend  Archbishop  Blank, 
Archbishop  of  Chicago, 

Cathedral  of  the  Holy  Name. 
Most  Reverend  Sir : 

Note. — Sometimes  the  Christian  name  is  used  thus 
Most  Eeverend  Archbishop  John  Blank. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  23 

Other  forms  of  the  salutation  may  be:  Most  "Rev- 
erend and  Respected  Sir/'  or  Most  Eeverend  and  Dear 
Sir;  the  latter  form,  however,  is  used  only  by  a  clergy- 
man or  a  friend. 

(Conclusion.) 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Most  Eeverend  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  BROWN. 

Note. — Instead  of  "Most  Eeverend  Sir,"  the  form 
may  be  "Most  Eeverend  and  Dear  Sir,"  or  "Most  Eev- 
erend Archbishop." 


To  a  Bishop. 

(Introduction.) 

Eight  Eeverend  Bishop  Blank, 
Bishop  of  Chicago, 

Cathedral,  Chicago,  111. 
Eight  Eeverend  Sir: 

Note. — Other  forms  of  the  salutation  are:  Eight 
Eeverend  and  Dear  Sir,  or  Eight  Eeverend  and  Dear 
Bishop. 

(Conclusion.) 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 
Eight  Eeverend  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  BROWN. 

Note.— Instead  of  "Eight  Eeverend  Sir,"  "Eight 
Eeverend  and  Dear  Sir,"  or  "Eight  Eeverend  and  Dear 
Bishop,"  may  be  used. 


24  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

To  a  Rector  of  a  Religious  House, 

(Introduction.) 

Very  Reverend  John  Blank,  0.  S.  B., 
Eector,  Brothers  of  St.  Francis, 

Elgin,  111. 
Very  Eeverend  Sir: 

Note. — The  Provincial  of  an  order  or  a  Prior  is  ad- 
dressed in  the  same  way,  the  words  Provincial  of — Order 
or  Prior  being  substituted  for  the  word  Rector. 


To  a  Priest. 

(Introduction.) 
Eeverend  John  Blank, 
St.  Michael's  Church, 

Chicago,  111. 
Eeverend  Sir: 

OB 

Eeverend  Father  John  Blank, 
St.  Michael's  Church, 

Chicago,  111. 
Eeverend  Sir: 

OB 

Eeverend  Father  Blank, 
St.  Michael's  Church, 

Chicago,  111. 
Eeverend  Sir: 


In  addressing  a  minister,  the  same  style  is  used  as 
in  addressing  a  priest,  except  that,  instead  of  Father 
the  title  Mr.  is  used.  The  salutation  may  be  placed  at 
the  beginning  and  the  rest  of  the  introduction  at  the  close 
of  the  letter ;  thus : 
Eeverend  Sir: 

(Body  of  the  letter.) 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  25 

The  Eeverend  James  Long, 
Chicago,  111. 

While  the  article  the  is  used  at  the  close  of  the  letter 
and  in  the  superscription  (address  on  the  envelope),  it 
is  not  generally  employed  in  the  salutation. 

The  title  Mr.  with  the  Christian  name  as  well,  is  not 
necessary  with  Rev.  Thus:  one  writes  either:  "Bev. 
Mr.  Long,"  or  "Bev.  James  Long."  "Bev.  Long,"  or 
"The  Bev.  Long"  is  always  incorrect. 

Again  while  Reverend  is  often  abbreviated  in  the  first 
line  of  the  introduction,  it  should  always  be  written  in 
full  in  the  salutation.  In  fact,  as  has  been  stated,  all 
professional  titles,  other  than  Dr.,  should  be  written  in 
full  in  the  salutation;  as:  My  dear  Professor  James; 
Dear  Colonel  Clark;  My  dear  Captain  Maxon. 


To  a  Female  Superior  of  a  Religious  Order. 

(Introduction.) 
Mother  Mary, 

Superior,  Convent  of  Notre  Dame, 

Notre  Dame,  Ind. 
Beverend  Mother : 

Note. — Some  authorities  give  the  form  Dear  Madam 
as  the  correct  salutation,  this  being  in  conformity  with 
the  salutation  used  in  addressing  a  male  superior  of  a 
religious  order. 


To  a  Female  Member  of  a  Religious  Order. 

Sister  (or  Sr.)  Hilda, 

Sacred  Heart v  Academy. 
Dear  Sister: 


26  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

MODELS  FOR  THE  INTRODUCTION  AND  THE  SUPERSCRIPTION 
OF  LETTERS   TO   GOVERNMENT   OFFICIALS. 

President. 

To  the  President, 
White  House, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Vice   President. 

To  the  Vice  President  of  the  United  States, 
Senate  Chamber, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

To  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Chief  Justice  of  the   United    States. 

The  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Note. — The  superscriptions  used  in  addressing  all  the 
foregoing  individuals  are  the  same  as  the  addresses  in 
the  letter,  the  only  difference  being  that  to  is  omitted. 

In  all  the  introductions,  with  the  exception  of  the  last, 
observe  that  the  preposition  to  is  the  introductory  word. 
Note  also  that  the  name  of  the  individual  holding  the 
office  is  not  used  in  the  models  given,  as  it  is  customary 
to  address  the  office  rather  than  the  individual  holding 
it.  With  the  exception  of  the  President,  however,  some 
writers  prefer  to  use  the  name  of  the  individual  in  the 
address.  Thus : 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  27 

To  the  Honorable  John  J.  Blank, 

Vice  President  of  the  United  States, 
Senate  Chamber, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

In  the  following  address,  the  name  of  the  individual 
is  always  used: 

Justice  of  Supreme  Court. 
Hon.  John  J.  Blank, 

Justice,  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Cabinet  Officers. 

Note. — In  addressing  Cabinet  Officers,  the  name  of 
the  individual  may  be  omitted. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
.  Sir: 

Note. — In  the  superscription,  the  following  models  are 
used : 

The  Honorable 

The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
The  Honorable 

The  Attorney-General, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
The  Honorable 

The  Postmaster-General, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Officers  of  the  Army. 

Major-General  John  J.  Blank, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 


28  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Officers  of  the  Navy. 

Admiral  John  J.  Blank, 
Washington,  D.  d 
Sir: 

Members  of  Congress. 

Hon.  John  J.  Blank, 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Sir: 

Note. — "Dear  Sir"  may  also  be  used. 
Note. — The  superscription  should  read: 
Hon.  John  J.  Blank,  M.  C., 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Governors. 

His  Excellency  John  J.  Blank, 

Springfield,  111. 
Sir: 

THE   BODY   OF  THE    LETTER. 

The  BODY  of  the  letter  is  that  which  contains  the  writ- 
ten communication. 

1.    The   Date. 

In  business  letters,  the  writer  should  mention  the  date 
on  which  the  letter  that  he  is  answering,  was  written. 
This  is  necessary  in  order  that  the  recipient  may  have 
no  difficulty  in  understanding  to  what  letter  the  writer 
refers. 

Expressions  like  the  following  are  used : 

(a)  "I  have  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.,"  or  "I 
have  received  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst." 

(b)  "Your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.  is  received"  (or 
has  been  received).    (When  the  month  is  named,  tJi  (or 
st,  d,  etc.)  is  now  generally  omitted.) 

(c)  "In  accordance  with  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst., 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  29 

we  are  sending  you,"  etc.  (Some  writers  prefer  to  be- 
gin a  letter  somewhat  as  in  the  last  model,  in  order  to 
avoid  the  set  form  in  the  first  two.) 

(d)  "Replying  to  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.,  we 
quote  you  a  price,"  etc. 

Instead  of  beginning  a  letter  with  such  expressions  as, 
" Replying  to  your  letter,"  etc.,  "Acknowledging  your 
letter,"  etc.,  some  writers  prefer  to  come  directly  to  the 
subject  as  follows:  "The  price  of  the  books  to  which 
you  refer  in  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.  is,"  etc. 

2.     The  Form. 

An  inch  of  space  should  be  left  on  each  side  of  the 
body,  if  the  letter  is  long ;  if  short,  a  very  wide  margin 
can  be  left. 

3.     The  Initial  Word. 

The  initial  word  is  placed  an  inch  to  the  right  of  the 
margin  of  the  introduction  below  the  salutation.  Some 
writers  place  it  just  under  the  colon.  If  the  introduction 
consists  of  more  than  three  lines,  the  initial  word  may 
be  placed  on  the  same  line  with  the  salutation.  The  dash 
is  then  sometimes  followed  by  a  colon. 

THE  PARAGRAPH. 

A  letter,  when  long,  is  divided  into  parts  called  para- 
graphs. 

The  paragraph  deals  with  a  single  subject,  a  change 
of  subject  requiring  a  change  of  paragraph.  The 
sentence  expresses  an  idea  or  a  fact ;  the  paragraph  ex- 
pands the  idea  or  the  fact,  bringing  out  such  essentials 
as  are  necessary  to  express  it  comprehensively.  Just  as 
in  a  sentence  only  related  ideas  or  facts  are  introduced, 
so  in  a  paragraph,  the  same  unity  of  expression  must  be 
secured. 


30  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

1.    The  Structure. 

(a)  The  paragraph  may  be  composed  of  a  single 
sentence,  as: 

"Under  the  circumstances,  I  have  no  hesitation  in 
advising  you  to  come  at  once,  for  you  can  undoubtedly 
secure  a  position  here  immediately  upon  your  arrival." 

(b)  The  paragraph  may  be  composed  of  two   or 
more  sentences ;  and,  when  this  is  the  case,  care  must  be 
taken  to  see  that  the  sentences  are  logically  and  closely 
related  to  one  another;  as: 

"I  believe  that  a  conference  of  representatives  of  all 
forest  schools  and  universities  and  colleges  in  which  for- 
estry is  taught,  might  be  made  of  great  value  to  the  gen- 
eral progress  of  forestry  in  the  United  States,  as  well 
as  to  the  institutions  which  teach  forestry,  and  to  the 
Forest  Service,  which  employs  so  many  of  their  grad- 
uates, and  which  is  vitally  interested  in  the  best  training 
of  foresters.  Such  a  conference  might  well  consider  the 
objects  and  methods  of  forest  instruction,  the  organiza- 
tion and  standards  of  educational  work  in  the  field  of 
forestry,  the  co-ordination  of  the  work  of  different  insti- 
tutions, and  the  needs  of  the  Forest  Service  and  other 
employers  of  forest  graduates." 

2.     The  Connectives. 

Connectives  are  words  used  to  join  the  parts  of  a 
paragraph.  The  most  important  are:  and,  but,  or,  nor, 
either,  neither,  however,  therefore,  consequently.  As  a 
rule,  connectives,  or  conjunctions,  as  they  are  also  called, 
are  used  to  join  clauses,  and  not  independent  sentences 
(clauses  are  separated  by  commas,  semicolons,  colons, 
while  sentences  are  separated  by  periods) ;  but,  occasion- 
ally, they  are  used  to  introduce  sentences,  and  even  new 
paragraphs.  Conjunctions,  used  otherwise  than  as  con- 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  31 

nectives  of  clauses,  should  be  sparingly  employed.  Ad- 
verbs like  again,  now,  doubtless,  undoubtedly,  certainly, 
surely,  are  frequently  used  to  introduce  a  new  paragraph. 

3.     The  Form. 

The  paragraph  is  indented;  that  is,  the  initial  word 
begins  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  margin.  The  space  be- 
tween the  last  line  and  the  paragraph  that  follows  is 
generally  a  little  wider  than  between  that  of  the  lines 
of  the  paragraph  itself. 

(Letter  exemplifying  the  paragraph.) 
Dear  Madam: 

Our  semi-annual  clearance  sale  of  black  and  colored 
dress  goods  remnants  commences  next  Monday,  January 
10. 

The  fame  of  this  event  has  traveled  so  far,  and  its 
opportunities  are  so  widely  realized,  that  there  is  little 
or  nothing  we  can  say  to  further  increase  the  suprising 
interest  which  always  greets  its  announcement. 

In  two  tremendous  lots  at  50c  and  65c  are  to  be  found 
remaining  cut  lengths  of  all  the  best-selling  dress  goods 
we  have  had  in  stock  during  the  past  six  months. 

Eegardless  of  elegance  of  quality,  exclusiveness,  or 
beauty  of  design  and  color,  and  the  fact  that  all  are  $1.50, 
$2,  $3,  and  $4,  grades,  the  entire  range  in  the  above  two 
lots  will  be  sold  at  50c  and  65c. 

Dress  patterns,  imported  from  Paris,  and  sold  during 
this  sale  at  the  very  low  price  of  $5  each,  are  also  an 
important  attraction.  They  are  all  $15  values,  and  com- 
prise both  black  and  colors.  Others,  at  $7.50  and  $10, 
are  reduced  from  $17.50  and  $25. 

The  above  will  all  be  found  in  the  Wabash  building,  first 
floor. 

36  to  50-inch  dress  goods,  black  and  colors,  will  be 


32  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

found  in  the  basement  at  35c — values  up  to  $1 ;  at  25c — 
values  up  to  75c. 

The  time  set  for  the  sale  is  8  o'clock. 

A  sales  force,  and  floor  space,  both  in  excess  of  those 
in  any  previous  sale,  insure  better  service  and  greater 
convenience  and  comfort  than  ever. 

Trusting  that  we  may  be  favored  with  your  attention, 
we  are 

Eespectfully  yours, 

MANDEL  BROTHERS. 

A  TABULATED   LIST. 

A  tabulated  list,  or  a  statement  of  particulars,  is  de- 
tached from  the  body  of  the  subject  matter,  and  each 
particular  is  indented,  the  initial  words  being  at  equal 
distance  from  the  margin.  Any  word  or  words  that  are 
carried  over  the  line  are  themselves  indented ;  thus : 

We  are  sending  you  by  U.  S.  express,  the  following 
books : 

The  Art  of  Conversation 

The  Art  of  Social  Letter-Writing 

How  Can   I    Increase   My  Vocabulary? 

Punctuation  marks  are  now  rarely  used  in  a  tabulated 
list,  except  where  the  items  follow  one  another  on  the 
line;  as: 

We  are  sending  you  by  U.  S.  express  the  following 
books:  THE  ART  OF  CONVERSATION,  THE  ART  OF  SOCIAL 
LETTER- WRITING,  and  How  CAN  I  INCREASE  MY  VOCABU- 
LARY? 

Matter  to  be  featured  is  set  off  as  follows : 

1.  There  are  two  ways  of  conducting  business — by 
messenger  service  and  by  mail ;  thus : 

1.  A  sends  an  offer  by  his  office  boy  to  B*  B  delivers 
his  acceptance  to  the  boy. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  33 

2.    A  makes  an  offer  by  mail,  requesting  a  reply  by 
mail,  etc. 

THE  WRITING  OF  AMOUNTS  IN  BUSINESS  LETTERS. 

2.  Amounts  are  written  in  three  ways:  (a)  in  full 
followed  by  figures  in  parenthesis;  (b)  in  full  without 
figures;  (c)  with  figures  alone. 

(a)  Amounts  are  written  in  full  and  followed  by 
figures  in  parenthesis  in  important  business  letters  and 
in  legal  documents.     The  part  that  is  written  in  full  is 
capitalized  in  legal  documents  and  frequently  in  business 
letters  as  well. 

(Letter.) 

"I  enclose  my  check  of  Two  Hundred  and  Fifty  Dol- 
lars ($250). " 

(Contract.) 

6 '  The  first  payment  shall  be  One  Hundred  and  Twen- 
ty-five Dollars  ($125)." 

(b)  Amounts  are  ^written  in  full  without  figures  as 
follows : 

1.  When  the  amount  is  the  only  one  mentioned  in  the 
letter  or  occurs  but  rarely: 

"I  inclose  ten  dollars  in  payment  of  my  account." 

2.  When  the  amount  is  small  and  does  not  occur  in 
connection  with  several  other  amounts : 

"I  inclose  ten  cents  for  a  sample  copy  of  COKKECT 
ENGLISH.  I  understand  that  the  subscription  price  is 
one  dollar  a  year."  Or,  "I  inclose  ten  cents  for  a  sample 
copy  of  COKKECT  ENGLISH.  I  understand  that  the  sub- 
scription price  is  $1.00  a  year." 

Note. — When  the  amount  is  small  and  occurs  in  con- 
nection with  other  amounts,  it  is  frequently  written  in 
figures,  although  some  writers  indicate  no  amount  smaller 
than  one  dollar  by  figures. 


34  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

In  advertising,  small  amounts  like  8  cents,  2  cents,  1 
cent,  are  written  in  figures  (sometimes,  8c.,  2c.,  lc.). 
(c)     Amounts  are  written  in  figures  alone  as  follows: 

1.  In  an  enumeration  of  amounts  (except  in  letters 
of  great  importance  and  in  legal  documents) : 

' '  The  typwriter  was  $100,  the  desk,  $50,  and  the  chair 
$10. " 

2.  The  amount  is  written  in  figures  when  it  would 
require  several  words  to  express  it: 

1  i  During  the  last  year  he  has  paid  $1,575.85  for  office 
expenses/' 

Note  that  it  would  he  tiresome  to  write  out  in  full 
"one  thousand,"  etc.  (This  rule  does  not  apply  to  the 
instructions  in  paragraph  a.)  This  rule  also  applies  to 
small  numbers  that  would  be  tiresome  to  write  out  in 
full ;  as,  *  *  He  gave  me  $5.21. ' '  This  rule  is  also  applicable 
to  isolated  amounts;  thus:  while  the  isolated  amount  is 
expressed  by  words  when  the  amount  can  be  expressed 
by  round  numbers,  it  is  written  in  figures  in  cases  like 
that  just  mentioned.  (See  Par.  b,  1.) 

Fractions  are  written  in  full  if  they  occur  alone; 
otherwise,  they  are  expressed  by  figures;  thus:  three- 
fourths,  but  5%. 

Ciphers  are  almost  invariably  omitted  when  the 
amount  is  ten  dollars  or  more;  many  firms  avoid  their 
use,  even  when  the  amount  is  less  than  ten  dollars;  as, 
"I  inclose  $1  in  payment  of  my  subscription. "  This  is 
a  matter  of  style  and  inclination;  usage  varies,  but  the 
tendency  is  to  do  away  with  ciphers  altogether,  except, 
of  course,  where  one  cipher  is  required,  as  in  the  amount 
$1.50. 

In  connection  with  the  sign  $,  note  that  it  should  be 
omitted  before  a  number  of  cents;  thus:  fifty  cents  or 
50  cents,  not  $.50;  but  $3.50. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  35 

Amounts  That  Do  Not  Express  Sums  of  Money. 

Amounts  other  than  those  of  money  are  governed  by 
the  same  general  rules;  thus: 

1.  Figures  are  used  in  an  enumeration  of  amounts 
as  in  paragraph  c,  1: 

'  '  The  manuscript  that  I  inclose  contains  3,000  words ; 
the  one  that  I  sent  you  last  month  contained  only  2,500 
words. " 

2.  If  the  amounts  occur  but  rarely,  spell  them  out 
unless  it  would  be  tiresome  to  do  so: 

"Statistics  show  that  ten  thousand  persons  have 
been, ? '  etc.,  but ' '  Statistics  show  that  10,500  persons  have 
been,"  etc. 

3.  In  an  enumeration  of  particulars,  only  figures  are 
used  to  indicate  the  numbers: 

Send  me : 

10  doz.  American  Family  Soap 
5  boxes  Oswego  Starch 
1  bbl.  Sugar 

The  punctuation  at  the  end  of  each  line  is  now  usually 
omitted. 

4.  The  age  of  a  person  is  written  in  full : 
"I  am  twenty-one  years  of  age." 

5.  Numbers,  such  as  "I  have  written  to  you  three 
times, ' '  are  written  in  full. 

6.  The  number  of  a  street  is  indicated  in  figures; 
the  street  itself,  if  represented  by  a  number  less  than 
one  hundred,  is  written  in  full;  more  than  one  hundred, 
in  figures;  thus:  ' 

"He  lives  at  517  Fifty-first  Street"  (or  151st  Street). 

7.  The  date  in  the  heading  of  a  business  letter  is 
always  represented  by  figures ;  in  the  body  (a)  by  figures, 
(b)  either  by  figures  or  by  full  numbers: 

(a)     "Your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.  is  received." 


36  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

(b)  "The  5th  of  July  was  a  holiday. "  Or,  "The 
fifth  of  July  was  a  holiday. " 

8.  Catalogue  numbers  and  the  pages  of  a  book  (or 
document)  with  the  parts,  such  as  chapters,  paragraphs, 
sections,  rules,  are  represented  by  figures : 

P.  50,  Chap.  V.    par.  3,  Eule  1. 

LETTERS   AND    FORMS    EXEMPLIFYING    THE    WRITING    OF 

NUMBERS.* 

(Letter  inclosing  check.) 

Chicago,  111.,  March  8,  1911. 
Messrs.  Mason  &  Berry, 
Boston,  Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

Inclosed  find  my  check  of  Two  Hundred  and 
Fifty  Dollars  ($250)  in  payment  of  the  accompanying 
bill. 

Kindly  return  bill  receipted,  and  oblige 

Yours  truly, 

John  M.  Blank. 
(Letter  ordering  books.) 

Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  11,  1911. 
Correct  English  Publishing  Co., 
Evanston,  111. 
Gentlemen : 

Please  send  us  by  express,  C.  0.  D.,  fifty 
(50)  copies  of  "The  Art  of  Conversation. " 

We  need  the  books  at  once,  as  we  have  just  discovered 
that  our  supply  is  exhausted. 

Very  truly  yours, 
Success  Publishing  Company, 

By  J.  M.  Blank,  Mgr. 


*See  also,  letter  exemplifying  the  division  of  a  letter  into  Para- 
graphs. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  37 

(2  inclosures.) 

(Advertisement. ) 

500  BEST  STORAGE  BOOMS  in  the  city,  $1.50  to  $6.00 
a  month,  at  Union  Storage  Warehouse,  74  Eastern 
Avenue.     Down-town  office,  75  Berkeley  Street.     Esti- 
mates for  moving  and  storage. 


TO  LET. — Large,  old-fashioned  house;  modern  plumb- 
ing; paint,  paper,  and  everything  new;  15  rooms; 
will  be  let  for  $800,  to  private  family  only.     J.  F.  F. 
Brigham,  42  King  Street.    Tel.  2907. 

(Statistics.) 

"Taking  the  city  and  county  of  New  York  as  an  ex- 
ample, we  find  that  more  than  $20,000,000  was  spent  dur- 
ing 1899  in  the  repressing  and  correcting  of  crime,  out 
of  a  total  expenditure  of  about  $90,000,000.  This  means 
a  crime  taxation  of  $6  per  capita.  An  analysis  of  San 
Francisco's  budget  shows  an  average  of  $5  per  capita. 
In  smaller  cities,  the  average  is  about  $3.50  per  capita. 
With  these  averages  as  a  basis,  Mr.  Smith  calculates  that 
$1  an  inhabitant  in  the  'open  country'  is  a  conservative 
estimate. ' ' 

THE  CONCLUSION  OF  THE  LETTER. 

The  CONCLUSION  of  a  letter  consists  of  the  compli- 
mentary close  and  the  signature. 

The  Complimentary  Close. 

The  COMPLIMENTAKY  close  consists  of  expressions  of 
civility,  respect,  or  love,  depending  upon  the  relation  that 
exists  between  the  writer  of  the  letter  and  the  person  to 
whom  the  letter  is  written.  It  should  begin  on  a  separate 
line  and  should  be  followed  by  a  comma.  The  initial 
word  should  begin  with  a  capital,  and  it  should  be  placed 
near  the  middle  of  the  body  of  the  letter.  Expressions 


38  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

that  introduce  the  complimentary  close,  such  as,  "I  am," 
"I  remain,"  "and  oblige,"  etc.,  should  not  be  placed  on 
the  same  line,  but  should  form  the  closing  words  of  the 
body  of  the  letter. 

The  following  are  correct  forms  to  use  in  the  com- 
plimentary close: 

Yours  truly,  Yours  very  truly,  Truly  yours,  Very 
truly  yours ; 

Yours  respectfully,  Yours  very  respectfully,  Kespect- 
fully  yours,  Very  respectfully  yours; 

Yours  sincerely,  Yours  very  sincerely,  Sincerely 
yours,  Very  sincerely  yours ; 

Affectionately  yours,  Lovingly  yours,  Faithfully 
yours,  Devotedly  yours. 

The  forms  in  the  first  line  are  interchangeably  used, 
and  are  appropriate  for  business  letters  where  there  is 
no  special  intimacy  existing  between  the  writer  and  the 
recipient  of  the  letter ;  the  forms  in  the  second  line  are 
interchangeably  used,  but  are  appropriate  only  when  the 
writer  wishes  to  express  respect;  the  forms  in  the  third 
line  are  interchangeably  used,  and  are  correct  when  the 
relation  between  the  writer  and  the  recipient  of  the  let- 
ter is  somewhat  intimate,  less  formality  being  conveyed 
by  these  expressions  than  by  those  in  the  first  line. 

The  form  "Yours  truly,"  while  frequently  used,  seems 
less  courteous  than  the  longer  form  ' '  Yours  very  truly. ' ' 

The  forms  in  the  last  line  are  used  in  letters  of  love 
and  friendship. 

Models  for  the  Complimentary  Close  of  Business  Letters. 

Note. — The  closing  words  of  the  body  of  the  letter  are 
given  in  order  to  show  the  relative  position  of  the  com- 
plimentary close  to  the  body  of  the  letter. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  39 

Assuring  you  that  we  can  fill  your  order  promptly, 
and  awaiting  your  early  communication,  we  are 

Very  truly  yours, 
We  will  send  the  books  at  once. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Hoping  that  you  have  not  been  inconvenienced  by 
our  delay,  we  are 

Yours  very  truly, 

Assuring  you  that  if  you  decide  to  engage  me,  I  will 
give  you  my  best  efforts,  I  am 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

I  thank  you  for  your  kindness  in  the  past,  and  hope 
for  a  continuance  of  your  interest. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

The  form  of  the  complimentary  close  should  always 
harmonize  with  that  of  the  salutation,  the  degree  of  in- 
timacy expressed  in  the  salutation  corresponding  with 
that  in  the  complimentary  close ;  thus :  a  letter  beginning, 
Dear  Sir,  Gentlemen,  Dear  Madam,  requires  for  its  com- 
plimentary close,  "  Yours  truly, "  "  Yours  very  truly, " 
or  "Very  truly  yours, "  unless  the  writer  wishes  to  ex- 
press respect;  he  should  then  use,  "Yours  respectfully," 
"Yours  very  respectfully,"  or  "Very  respectfully 
yours."  A  business  letter  beginning,  "My  dear  Mr. 
Black,"  "My  dear  Mrs.  Black,"  requires  for  its  com- 
plimentary close,  "Yours  sincerely,"  "Yours  very  sin- 
cerely," or  "Sincerely  yours."  These  three  forms  are 
often  interchangeably  used  when  the  salutation  is  formal ; 
as,  Dear  Sir,  Dear  Madam,  etc.,  but  it  is  better  to  restrict 
these  expressions  to  letters  in  which  the  salutation  ex- 
presses some  degree  of  intimacy.  Again,  these  forms 
are  also  used  in  friendly  letters  where  there  is  not  suffi- 
cient intimacy  between  the  writer  and  the  recipient  of  the 


40  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

letter  to  admit  of  such  expressions  as,  "Affectionately 
yours, "  "Lovingly  yours,"  etc. 

The  Signature  of  a  Letter. 

The  SIGNATUKE  of  a  letter  consists  of  the  name  of  the 
writer.  It  should  begin  on  a  separate  line,  should  be  fol- 
lowed by  a  period,  and  should  be  placed  below  the  com- 
plimentary close  and  to  the  right,  so  that  the  terminal 
word  may  be  about  on  a  line  with  the  margin  of  the 
letter. 

MODELS    FOR   THE   SIGNATURE   OF   BUSINESS   LETTERS. 
Signature  of  a  Company. 

Note. — The  last  paragraph  of  the  body  of  the  letter 
is  given,  in  order  to  show  the  relative  position  of  the 
signature  to  the  rest  of  the  letter. 

Kindly  see  that  our  order  is  filled  at  once,  as  we  are 
entirely  out  of  these  books. 
Very  truly  yours, 

The  School-Text  Publishing  Company, 
By  John  J.  Gray,  Manager. 

Signature  of  an   Individual. 

Assuring  you  of  my  willingness  to  comply  with  your 
request,  I  am 

Very  truly  yours, 

Frederick  J.  Huntington. 

Signature  of  a  Firm. 

If  you  can  give  this  matter  your  prompt  attention, 
it  will  greatly  oblige 

Yours  very  truly, 

Hamilton  &  Hamilton, 

By  Edward  P.  Black,  Secretary. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  41 

Signature  of  an   Unmarried   Woman. 

Thanking  you  for  your  kind  interest,  and  assuring 
you  that  I  shall  be  glad  to  receive  an  early  reply,  I  am 
Very  truly  yours, 

(Miss)  Alice  M.  Freeman. 

Note. — If,  for  special  reasons,  the  writer  uses  only 
her  initials  with  her  surname,  then  the  full  name  must 
be  written  in  parenthesis;  thus: 
(Miss  Alice  M.  Freeman.)  A.  M.  Freeman. 

(Ordinarily  the  first  style  is  preferable.) 

Signature  of  a  Married  Woman. 

I  thank  you  for  the  assistance  that  you  have  given 
me. 

Very  sincerely, 
(Mrs.  George  J.  Humphrey.)          Mary  L.  Humphrey: 

Signature  of  a  Widow. 

Kindly  send  me  a  sample  of  the  goods,  and  oblige 
Yours  very  truly, 

(Mrs.)  Margaret  E.  James. 

Note. — A  widow  generally  uses  her  Christian  name. 
If,  however,  her  husband  has  been  prominent  in  busi- 
ness, social,  literary,  political  circles,  or  the  like,  and 
she  wishes,  for  special  reasons,  to  identify  herself  with 
her  deceased  husband's  name,  she  may  write  her  signa- 
ture as  follows : 

(Mrs.  John  Henry  James.)  Margaret  E.  James. 
A  woman  must  never  use  her  husband's  title.  The 
wife  of  a  general,  a  doctor,  or  a  minister,  for  example, 
uses  the  name  of  her  husband  without  his  title.  For  ex- 
ample, the  wife  of  Dr.  John  Brown  signs  her  name  as 
follows : 

(Mrs.  John  Brown.)  Mary  E.  Brown. 


42  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

(In  all  the  foregoing  models,  the  period  may  be 
omitted  at  the  close  of  the  name  within  the  parentheses.) 

Note. — Some  authorities  indicate  that  when  writing 
to  strangers  with  whom  one  has  no  especial  business 
relations,  and  when  writing  to  servants,  a  woman  may 
then  use  her  husband's  name  and  her  title  in  her  signa- 
ture; but,  generally  speaking,  it  is  better  for  a  woman 
to  avoid  doing  so.  The  difficulty  can  be  overcome  by 
writing  the  letter  in  the  third  person.  Thus: 

"Mrs.  James  Gray,  2120  High  Street,  would  like  to 
have  Miss  Mary  White  come  on  Monday,  instead  of  on 
Tuesday/' 

"Mrs.  James  Gray,  2120  High  Street,  would  be  glad 
to  have  Mrs.  Black  return  the  curtains  that  she  has  been 
mending,  as  soon  as  possible." 

SIGNATURES  OF  SOCIAL  LETTERS. 

In  case  of  women,  where  the  relation  is  intimate,  only 
the  Christian  and  the  middle  name  (or  initial)  with  the 
surname  are  permissible,  it  being  taken  for  granted  that 
the  recipient  of  the  letter  knows  the  full  title  of  the  writer. 
In  cases  where  the  relation  is  not  intimate,  and  where  it 
is  necessary  that  the  recipient  should  know  the  name  of 
the  husband  and  the  title  of  the  writer,  it  is  correct  to 
follow  the  same  style  as  in  business  letters.  Again,  in 
cases  of  extreme  intimacy,  where  the  Christian  name  is 
properly  used  in  the  salutation,  the  Christian  name  with- 
out the  surname  is  used  in  the  signature. 

THE  SUPERSCRIPTION. 

The  SUPEBSCKIPTION  of  a  letter  is  the  address  on  the 
envelope. 

1.     The  Contents. 

The  contents  include  the  name,  the  title,  and  the 
post-office  address.  The  post-office  address  gives  the  name 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  43 

of  the  city  or  town ;  the  state ;  the  county,  when  the  town 
is  small ;  the  street  address,  when  the  town  is  large ;  the 
rural  route  or  the  post-office  box,  when  required. 

2.  The  Position. 

The  first  line,  which  consists  of  the  name,  should  be- 
gin at  about  an  inch  from  the  left-hand  edge  of  the  en- 
velope, and  should  occupy  a  position  about  midway  be- 
tween the  upper  and  the  lower  edge.  Each  line  that  fol- 
lows is  placed  a  little  farther  to  the  right  than  the  pre- 
ceding line. 

When  a  title  is  used  in  connection  with  the  name  of 
that  which  it  is  associated,  it  should  follow  the  name  on 
the  line  below;  as: 
Mr.  James  Blank, 

President,  Malleable  Iron  Company, 
Toledo, 
Ohio. 

(Or  Toledo,  Ohio.) 
The  following  style  is  also  used: 
Mr.  John  Blank 
President,  Malleable  Iron  Co. 
Toledo 
Ohio 

(or  Toledo,  Ohio) 

The  name  of  the  state  is  usually  placed  on  a  line  be- 
low that  of  the  city. 

When  the  name  of  the  county,  the  rural  route  num- 
ber or  the  post-office  box  is  given,  it  is  usually  placed 
at  the  left-hand  corner  of  the  envelope. 

3.  Punctuation. 

Usage  differs  as  to  the  punctuation  of  an  envelope, 
there  being  a  growing  tendency  to  omit  the  marks,  except 


44 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


when  required  to  indicate  the  absence  of  words  or  to 
close  abbreviations;  as: 
Mr.  John  Blank 

President,  Malleable  Iron  Co. 
Toledo 
Ohio 
(or  Toledo,  Ohio) 

The  comma  after  President  indicates  the  omission  of 
of  the;  the  period  closes  the  abbreviation  Co. 

The  name  of  the  county,  the  rural  route,  or  the  post- 
office  box,  when  placed  at  the  left-hand  corner,  is  followed 
by  a  comma,  if  punctuation  marks  are  used ;  this  part  of 
the  address  being  regarded  as  included  in  the  super- 
scription the  same  as  if  it  preceded  the  name  of  the  state. 
County,  if  abbreviated,  is  followed  by  both  a  period  and 
a  comma. 

That  punctuation  marks  are  still  in  general  favor 
will  be  seen  by  the  following  model  issued  by  the  Post- 
office  Department  of  Washington : 


After days  return  to 

JOHN  C  SMITH, 

143   State  St., 
WILKESVILLE,  N.  Y. 


STAMP 


MB.  FRANK  B.  JONES, 
2416  Front  Street, 

OSWEGO, 

OHIO. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  45 

THE  IDEAL  BUSINESS  LETTER. 
What  should  the  ideal  letter  be? 
It  should  be  grammatical. 
It  should  be  correctly  punctuated. 
It  should  be  correctly  spelled. 

It  should  be  free  from  tiresome,  worn-out  business  expressions. 
It  should  be  brief,  only  those  words  being  employed  that  are  re- 
quired to  express  the  thought  fully. 
It  should  be  courteous  and  tactful. 

It  is  impossible  for  one  to  acquire  a  complete  mastery 
over  correct  forms  of  diction  without  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  grammar  of  the  language.  It  is  not  sufficient 
that  a  construction  shall  sound  correct ;  the  writer  or  the 
speaker  who  would  be  correct  in  his  diction  must  abso- 
lutely know  whether  the  form  is  correct  and  the  reason 
why  it  is,  or  is  not,  as  the  case  may  be.  That  which  one 
is  accustomed  to  hear  sounds  correct  to  the  unthinking 
person.  The  incorrect  sentences,  "I  meant  to  have  writ- 
ten/9 "I  hoped  to  have  come/'  "I  intended  to  have 
gone/9  are  as  musical  to  the  ear  of  the  cultured,  as  are 
"He  ain't/9  "It  don't"  and  "He  done  it,"  to  the  ears  of 
the  illiterate. 

The  writer  or  the  speaker,  unfamiliar  with  grammati- 
cal rules,  will  be  apt  to  make  errors  like  the  following : 

"I  should  have  been  sorry  to  have  missed  you;99  "I 
should  have  been  glad  to  have  seen  him;"  "I  meant  to 
have  written;"  "I  intended  to  have  gone;"  "Your 
statement  can  be  easily  proven;"  "I  shall  go  providing 
I  can  leave  some  one  in  charge  of  my  business ;"  "He 
is  very  well  posted  on  this  subject ;"  "I  loaned  him  five 
hundred  dollars;"  "I  wrote  him  relative  to  the  mat- 
ter;" "I  know  a  party  who  will  make  you  the  loan;"  "I 
am  through  with  my  work  for  the  day;"  "This  is  not 
to  be  compared  to  that;"  "I  do  not  propose  to  be  im- 
posed on;"  "What  transpired  in  my  absence?"  "He 


46  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

worked  good  to-day ;"  "I  am  afraid  that  I  cannot  go;" 
"I  expect  that  you  had  better  go  East." 

The  foregoing  expressions  sound  grammatical  to  the 
ear  accustomed  to  hear  them,  and  yet  each  contains 
an  error,  the  correct  forms  being:  "I  should  have 
been  sorry  to  miss  you;"  "I  should  have  been  glad 
to  see  him;"  "I  meant  to  write;"  "I  intended  to  go;" 
"Your  statement  can  be  easily  proved;"  "I  shall  go 
provided  I  can  leave  some  one  in  charge  of  my  office;" 
"He  is  well  informed  on  this  subject;"  "I  lent  him  five 
hundred  dollars;"  "I  wrote  him  relatively  to  the  mat- 
ter;" "I  know  a  person  who  will  make  the  loan;"  "I 
have  finished  my  work  for  the  day ; "  "  This  is  not  to  be 
compared  with  that;"  "I  do  not  intend  to  be  imposed 
on;"  "What  happened  in  my  absence!"  "He  worked 
well  to-day;"  "I  fear  that  I  cannot  go;"  "I  presume 
that  you  had  better  go  East." 

Learning  to  speak  by  ear  is  like  learning  music  by 
ear — or  like  learning  any  other  branch  that  can  be 
scientifically  taught;  the  knowledge  that  one  acquires  is 
superficial,  and  cannot  be  compared  advantageously  with 
that  systematic  study  of  rules  and  principles  which  serves 
as  a  criterion  of  examination  by  which  all  data  may  be 
measured. 

The  business  man  who  feels  deficient  in  his  under- 
standing of  grammatical  rules  and  their  application  to 
the  requirements  of  business  usage,  should  become 
familiar  with  the  essentials  of  grammar.* 

Take,  for  example,  the  participial  construction,  in 
which  the  participle  must  refer  to  a  subject  pronoun. 
An  understanding  of  the  grammar  of  the  language 
enables  the  pupil  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  participle  must 
refer  to  a  subject  noun  or  pronoun.  Thus,  in  the  sen- 


*CORRECT  ENGLISH;  A  COMPLETE  GKAMMAB  covers  tne  essentials. 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  47 

tence,  "  Replying  to  your  letter  of  the  15th  inst.,  the, 
price,  etc./'  the  construction  is  incorrect,  for  the  reason 
that  replying  properly  refers  to  a  pronoun  /  or  we,  where- 
as it  is  made  to  refer  to  the  noun  price. 

Note. — A  style,  however,  which  has  rapidly  grown  into 
favor,  and  which  has  the  advantage  of  making  it  un- 
necessary to  supply  a  subject  pronoun,  is  one  in  which 
the  participle  is  left  without  a  subject  pronoun,  the 
ellipses  of  both  subject  and  predicate  verb  being  regarded 
for  practical  purposes  as  being  understood.  Where  the 
ellipses  occur,  however,  the  participial  construction  is 
properly  followed  by  a  colon,  and  not  by  a  period,  thus : 

Chicago,  111.,  Jan.  1, 19.. 

The  B.  &  S.  Boiler  Co., 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring  to  your  letters  of  the  6th  inst. : 

Upon  further  investigation,  etc. 


A  Letter  Should  Be  Correctly  Punctuated. 

The  study  of  Grammar  teaches  the  pupil  the  relation 
that  the  parts  of  a  sentence  bears  to  one  another.  The 
study  of  Punctuation  teaches  the  pupil  to  show  to  the  eye 
the  relation  that  exists. 

The  fact  can  not  be  emphasized  too  strongly  that  it  is 
only  by  an  understanding  of  the  Grammar  of  the  lan- 
guage that  one  is  able  to  determine  what  punctuation 
mark  is  required.  Occasionally  we  see  in  a  text  on  this 
subject  the  instruction  to  feel  the  punctuation  marks  so 
as  to  determine  where  they  should  be  placed ;  so  the  pupil 


48  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

often  feels  dashes,  when  he  should  feel  commas ;  commas, 
when  he  should  feel  semicolons. 

It  is  of  vital  importance  that  the  stenographer  should 
understand  this  subject  thoroughly,  for  his  employer  in 
dictating  letters  can  not  call  off  the  marks  of  punctuation 
as  does  the  proof-reader  or  copy-holder  in  a  printing  es- 
tablishment ;  although  some  employees  are  so  deficient  in 
their  knowledge,  that  their  employers  are  obliged  to  dic- 
tate important  letters  somewhat  as  follows : 
Mr.  John  Gray, 

Chicago,  111. 
Dear  Sir : 

Some  time  ago  (comma)  about  the  first  of  March 
(comma)  we  sent  you  an  order  for  books  (comma)  but  as 
yet  have  not  received  a  reply  (period) .  As  we  are  great- 
ly in  need  of  these  volumes  (comma)  we  should  like  to 
hear  from  you  at  once  as  to  when  we  shall  be  likely  to  re- 
ceive them  (period).  (New  paragraph)  In  the  future 
(comma)  when  receiving  orders  from  us  (comma)  please 
acknowledge  their  receipt  at  once. 

Very  truly  yours, 

In  connection  with  the  use  of  the  comma  there  exists 
a  general  tendency  on  the  part  of  stenographers  and 
printers  invariably  to  omit  the  comma  before  and  in  a 
series  of  three  or  more  words ;  whereas,  the  comma  should 
be  used  unless  the  connection  in  thought  between  the  last 
two  words  is  closer  than  between  the  last  word  before  and 
and  the  preceding  words.  The  following  letter  is  illustra- 
tive of  the  incorrect  omission  of  the  comma  before  and. 
My  dear  Mrs.  Baker: 

The  following  is  the  body  of  a  memorandum  that  was 
written  a  few  days  since  to  one  of  the  officers  of  this 
Company: 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  49 

"Will  you  please  furnish  me  with  separate  Pullman 
trip  transportation  for  one  berth  each,  Pittsburg  to  Co- 
lumbus and  return,  in  favor  of  John  Blank,  Chief  Clerk  to 
the  Chief  Engineer,  Mrs.  John  Blank  and  Miss  Mary 
Blank,  wife  and  daughter  of  Mr.  Blank  ?" 

The  intention  was  to  ask  for  a  pass  for  each  of  the  three 
parties  (should  read  persons)  named,  but  only  two  passes 
were  received,  which  prompted  me  to  ask  for  the  opin- 
ions of  others  as  to  the  construction  of  the  request.  Most 
of  the  opinions  are  to  the  effect  that,  because  of  the  ab- 
sence of  a  comma  after  "Mrs.  John  Blank/'  the  meaning 
of  the  request  is  not  sufficiently  clear,  notwithstanding 
the  presence  of  the  word  each  in  the  second  line  and  the 
absence  of  and  between  "Chief  Engineer"  and  "Mrs."  in 
the  fourth  line. 

Will  you  please  be  good  enough  to  advise  (should  read 
inform)  me  if  (should  read  whether)  the  request  for  the 
passes  is  correct? 

Yours  truly, 

A  Eeader. 

A   Letter  Should   Be  Correctly  Spelled. 

An  understanding  of  a  few  simple  rules  in  spelling 
will  prove  helpful  to  the  letter-writer. 

It  is  true  that  the  rules  of  Orthography  are  far  from 
being  absolute,  there  being  scarcely  one  that  has  not  its 
exception.  Because  of  these  variations,  we  often  feel  as 
did  the  school-boy  who  did  not  want  to  learn  how  to  spell : 
"What's  the  use  of  spelling  anyhow,"  he  exclaimed; 
"folks  know  what  you  mean,  and  that's  enough."  But, 
as  has  been  said,  a  knowledge  of  the  rules  of  Orthog- 
raphy is  one  of  the  steps  towards  the  mastery  of  the  art 
of  knowing  how  to  spell. 

Eules  are  helpful ;  but  far  more  beneficial  to  the  writer 


50  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

is  the  daily  habit  of  looking  up  every  word  about 
which  he  is  in  doubt.  It  is  well  to  have  a  little  hand- 
book of  ready  reference,  a  dictionary  of  words  in  every- 
day use  is  the  best  for  this  purpose,  for  the  reason  that 
it  gives  not  only  the  spelling,  but  also  the  proper  syllabi- 
cation of  words,  the  general  rule  governing  the  latter 
being  that  words  should  be  divided,  when  necessary  to 
divide  them,  according  to  their  pronunciation.* 

A    Letter   Should    Be    Free    from   Tiresome,    Worn-out    Expressions — 

Phraseologies  that  May  be  grammatical,  but  that  Have  Come  to  be 

Regarded  with  Disfavor  by  Their  Having  Been  Overused. 

Such  expressions,  as: — "I  beg  to  acknowledge  your 
favor  of  the  16th  inst.,  and  in  reply  to  same  would  state/' 
etc.,  are  now  regarded  by  the  up-to-date  letter  writer  al- 
most as  objectionable  as  the  old-time  expression,  "I  take 
my  pen  in  hand, ' '  etc. 

The  following  is  a  partial  list  of  expressions  that  have 
fallen  into  disfavor  because  of  their  too  frequent  use  in 
business  letter  writing : 

Favor  for  Letter. — Say:  "We  have  your  letter/'  not 
"We  have  your  favor." 

Same  for  It  or  They. — Say:  "It  shall  receive  prompt 
attention,"  not  "We  have  your  letter  and  same  shall  re- 
ceive prompt  attention." 

I  Confess.— Say:  "I  admit." 

Beg  to  State. — Say :  i  l  We  inform  you, ' '  not  '  '  We  beg 
to  state." 

We  beg  to  inclose  herewith. — Say:    "We  inclose." 

Your  valued  favor  or  order. — Say:  "Your  letter  or 
order." 

We  hereby  agree. — Say:    "We  agree." 

As  good  luck  would  have  it. — Say:    "Fortunately." 

Hoping  that  we  may  be  favored  with  an  early  reply.— 
Say :    i '  Hoping  that  we  may  receive  an  early  reply. ' ' 

*See  TEN  THOUSAND  WOBPS;  How  TO  PRONOUNCE  THEM. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH        .  51 

A   LETTER  SHOULD   BE   BRIEF. 
'This  Is  My  Busy  Day.     Make  It  Short." 

This  is  the  commandatory  notice  that  greets  the  eye 
**f  the  business  caller,  and  if  he  is  wise,  he  will  say  what 
be  has  to  say  briefly  and  to  the  point,  and  then  depart. 
This  notice  placed  conspicuously  so  that  he  who  sits  can 
read,  has  a  tendency  to  curtail  the  verbose  tendencies  of 
the  caller;  and,  in  consequence,  the  business  man  is  in 
a  way  protected  from  interviews  unnecessarily  pro- 
longed. Not  so,  however,  with  the  recipient  of  the  busi- 
ness letter.  Whether  he  will  or  not,  he  is  frequently 
obliged  to  wade  through  pages  of  subject  matter  when  a 
half  dozen  lines  would  suffice  to  tell  the  story. 

Brevity  is  one  of  the  chief  requisites  in  letter  writing. 
A  letter  should  be  brief,  except  where  a  previous  corre- 
spondence has  invited  a  more  extensive  elucidation  of 
the  facts  of  interest  to  both  the  writer  and  the  recipient 
of  the  letter.  A  letter  should  not,  however,  be  so  con- 
densed that  its  meaning  becomes  obscure.  The  writer  of 
the  business  letter  should  say  specifically  what  he  has 
to  say,  in  order  that  no  possible  confusion  can  arise. 
Some  very  well  meaning  persons  who  have  learned  that 
a  business  communication  should  be  brief,  mistake  undue 
condensation  for  brevity;  and,  as  a  result,  the  recipients 
of  their  letters  fail  to  understand  the  meaning  to  be  con- 
veyed. A  letter  like  the  following,  for  example,  is  so 
brief  as  to  be  obscure  in  meaning : 
Common-Sense  Publishing  Co., 

Boston,  Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

Saw  your  ad.  in  March  number   of  your  magazine. 
Kindly  give  full  particulars. 

Yours  truly, 

JOHN  E.  BRIEF. 


52  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Now,  this  advertisement  may  be  one  of  several  about 
which  " particulars "  might  be  sent;  and,  in  consequence, 
the  recipient  of  the  letter  would  be  unable  to  determine 
whether  to  send  particulars  pertaining  to  the  *  '  Offers  to 
Agents ;"  " Announcements  to  the  Advertisers;"  or 
' ' Bates  for  Clubs  of  Ten;"  etc. 

The  writer  of  this  business  letter  has  certainly  been 
brief ;  he  has  borne  in  mind  that  it  is  the  recipient 's  busy 
day;  and  has  "made  it  short;"  but  he  has  not  lightened 
the  labors  of  his  reader,  for  his  letter  is  so  ambiguous 
that  the  company  to  whom  it  is  addressed  must  write  for 
information  as  to  which  ad.  the  inquirer  refers, — an  un- 
necessary task  had  the  writer  of  the  brief  letter  ex- 
pressed his  meaning  specifically,  So  we  see  while,  gen- 
erally speaking,  a  business  letter  should  be  brief,  it 
should,  at  the  same  time,  be  so  explicit  that  but  little  time 
need  be  consumed  in  reading  it. 

One  of  the  faults  made  by  the  writer  who  aims  to  be 
brief  is  the  omission  of  the  subject  pronoun.  The  writer 
of  the  business  letter  has  read  somewhere  that  he  should 
not  use  the  pronoun  7  unnecessarily,  and  so  he  omits  it 
entirely;  in  consequence,  his  decapitated  letter  is  utterly 
lacking  in  that  personal  element  which  is  so  important  in 
correspondence — that  impress  on  the  letter  which  makes 
the  recipient  feel  that  he  is  having  a  personal  interview 
with  its  writer.  The  business  man  who  prides  himself  on 
the  brevity  of  his  letters,  and  especially  upon  the  omis- 
sion of  the  personal  pronoun  I,  dictates  to  his  stenog- 
rapher as  follows : 

Messrs.  Black  &  Grey, 

New  Haven,  Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

Received  your  letter  of  the  21st  inst.,  and  in  reply 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  53 

would  state  that  the  books  came  to  hand  in  fine  shape. 
Would  ask  as  a  special  favor  that  you  deliver  all  goods, 
in  the  future,  to  me  via  U.  S.  express,  as  have  a  frank  with 
that  company.  Will  write  again  relatively  to  my  order  of 
last  week.  Yours  truly, 

JOHN  J.  BRIEF. 

This  unnecessary  omission  of  the  I  is  about  as  sense- 
less as  would  be  that  of  the  second  person  you  or  your. 
No  business  man  would  dictate  a  letter  as  follows : 

11  Favor  of  21st  inst.  received,  and  if  will  enter  order 
now,  we  can  give  discount  of  three  per  cent.  Will  see  by 
our  list  price  that  our  offer  is  exceptional."* 

In  other  words  the  personal  pronoun  I  should  not  be 
omitted  any  more  than  should  the  pronoun  you;  it  is  only 
its  unnecessary  and  tiresome  repetition  that  must  be 
avoided. 

A  LETTER  SHOULD  BE  PERSONAL. 

A  letter  should  be  personal;  that  is,  it  should  read  as 
the  writer  would  talk  were  he  present. 

Naturalness  of  expression  is  as  vitally  necessary  in 
letter  writing  as  in  speech.  The  nearer  the  writer  can 
approach  a  conversational  style,  the  more  effective  will 
be  his  letter.  The  present  tendency  is  to  avoid  circum- 
locutions, and  complimentary  phrases,  and  to  begin  one's 
letter  as  one  would  a  conversation,  observing  throughout 
a  cordial  and  personal  tone,  as  if  talking  directly  to  the 
person  addressed, — as  if  he  were  actually  present  in  per- 
son. 

A  LETTER  SHOULD  BE  COURTEOUS  AND  TACTFUL. 

A  good  rule  to  observe  is  the  old-time  mandate,  Never 
write  a  letter  when  out  of  humor.  The  business  man  has 
his  patience  severely  tried  by  letters  received  from  irate 


54  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

correspondents  who  for  some  cause,  fancied  or  real,  write 
disagreeable  letters. 

The  truth  of  the  Biblical  saying,  "  A  soft  answer  turn- 
eth  away  wrath,"  can,  in  the  majority  of  instances,  be 
demonstrated ;  for  a  prompt  response,  written  in  a  kindly 
vein,  is,  as  a  rule,  all  that  is  necessary  to  appease  the 
wrath  of  the  person  who  feels  that  he  has  been  treated 
unfairly. 

When  receiving  letters,  written  in  an  angry  spirit,  the 
recipient  must  try  to  understand  the  situation  from  the 
writer's  point  of  view  in  order  that  he  may  respond  cour- 
teously and  tactfully.  Every  business  house  has  its 
Complaint  Bureau ;  human  nature  is  not  perfect,  neither 
are  business  tactics ;  in  consequence,  there  is  always  cause 
for  complaint,  more  or  less.  Letters  of  complaint  should 
receive  all  the  attention  and  consideration  possible,  so 
that  the  good  will  of  the  customer  or  client  can  be  con- 
served. 


CAPITALIZATION 

Use  capitals  in  an  enumeration  of  particulars ;  thus : 

3  bbls.  Granulated  sugar 
1  case  Early  June  peas 

1  bu.  Potatoes 

2  sacks  Java  coffee 
2  boxes  Ivory  soap 

The  words  indicating  the  amount  ordered  (bbls.,  case, 
bu.,  etc.)  are  not  capitalized.  In  connection  with  the  use 
of  a  comma  after  each  enumeration,  and  of  the  period 
at  the  close,  note  that  they  are  now  generally  omitted  in 
business  usage. 

Use  a  capital  to  begin  an  important  statement  or  to 
ask  a  question. 

"Eesolved,  That  in  order  to  succeed,  we  must  per- 
severe. " 

"I  wish  to  make  this  statement:  //  we  do  not  per- 
severe, we  shall  not  succeed." 

Use  capitals  to  begin  the  important  words  in  the  title 
of  a  book  or  in  the  subject  of  any  other  composition. 

I  have  just  finished  reading  "Bomola,"  by  George 
Eliot. 

Note. — Headings  of  essays  and  chapters  should  be  in 
capitals ;  as,  Chapter  I,  Article  11,  Letter  Writing  and 
Punctuation. 

When  the  titles  of  books  and  essays  are  quoted,  the 
nouns,  pronouns,  adjectives,  verbs,  and  adverbs  should 
begin  with  capitals,  while  the  prepositions  and  conjunc- 
tions should  begin  with  small  letters.  The  article  (the, 


66  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

a,  an)  begins  with  a  capital  only  when  it  is  used  as  the 
initial  word  in  the  title. 

Locke's  " Essay  on  the  Human  Understanding. " 

I  will  lend  you  my  book,  "How  to  Enjoy  Pictures. ", 

His  essay  was  entitled,  "How  to  Speak  and  Write 
Correctly." 

I  have  just  finished  reading  "The  Game,"  by  Jack 
London. 

(The  is  capitalized.) 

I  saw  the  article  in  the  New  York  Sun. 

(The  is  not  capitalized.) 

Use  capitals  for  the  names  of  the  points  of  compass 
when  they  denote  sections  of  country;  when  they  denote 
mere  direction,  use  small  letters. 

We  are  going  to  visit  friends  in  the  East  (section  of 
country). 

I  have  never  traveled  farther  south  (direction)  than 
Chicago,  but  I  have  made  the  acquaintance  of  some  very 
charming  Southerners  here  in  the  North. 

I  like  the  North  as  well  as  the  South.  I  shall  go  South 
next  winter. 

Use  capitals  for  words  that  denote  an  important 
event  in  history. 

The  Civil  War  lasted  four  years.  The  Battle  of  Lex- 
ington  marks  the  beginning  of  the  Revolutionary  War. 

TITLES. 

President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  etc.,  should  be  cap- 
italized when  used  specifically  as  a  title  or  in  connection 
with  a  proper  name ;  when  used  merely  as  an  explanatory 
element,  it  should  not  be  capitalized;  thus:  Honorary 
President  Meighton,  etc.  John  Blank,  President  of  the 
Luther  Paper  Company;  John  Blank,  the  president  of 
the  Luther  Paper  Company.  Mr.  Charles  Smith,  Presi- 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  57 

dent  of  the  E.  I.  Trust  Company;  Mr.  Charles  Smith, 
the  president  of  the  E.  I.  Trust  Company.  In  such  con- 
structions as,  "The  Treasurer  submitted  the  following 
report,"  "The  President  then  arose  and  addressed  the 
members,"  it  is  correct  to  capitalize  the  word  in  ques- 
tion, because  it  is  used,  for  the  time  being,  in  place  of 
the  name  itself.  The  present  tendency,  however,  is  to 
use  capitals  sparingly,  and  in  consequence,  the  small  let- 
ter in  the  last  two  constructions  would  be  permissible. 

Use  capitals  for  the  titles  in  a  salutation. 

My  dear  Father;  My  dear  Mother;  Dear  Cousin  Jane. 

The  rule  applies  equally  to  written  conversation; 
thus:  "Where  are  you  going,  Mother?"  What  did  you 
say,  Cousin  Emma?" 

When  the  title  is  used  merely  to  express  relationship, 
it  is  not  capitalized.  Thus,  in  the  conclusion  of  a  letter 
one  writes:  "Your  sincere  friend;"  "Your  affectionate 
brother;"  so  in  conversation,  "I  told  my  mother  that  I 
should  not  go;"  "I  am  younger  than  my  brother." 
When,  however,  the  word  expressing  the  relationship 
is  used  in  place  of  the  name,  it  should  be  capitalized ;  as, 
"I  told  Father  that  I  should  not  go." 

Universities,  Schools,  Churches. 

University,  College,  School,  Church  should  be  capi- 
talized when  used  as  a  part  of  the  name ;  as :  Yale  Uni- 
versity ;  Vassar  College ;  Sheffield  Scientific  School ;  Chi- 
cago Theological  Seminary;  The  Methodist  Church. 

Party. 

Party  is  usually  written  with  small  letter;  as,  "The 
Democratic  party." 


58  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

A.  M.  and  P.  M.;  a.  m.  and  p.  m. 

A.  M.,  the  abbreviation  of  ante  meridian,  and  P.  M.,  of 
post  meridian,  are  written  with  either  capital  or  small 
letters,  although  capitals  are  preferred  by  many. 

GEOGRAPHICAL   NAMES—HOW  TO  CAPITALIZE  THEM.* 

Geographical  names  are  capitalized  when  used 
specifically  to  form  proper  names;  but  when  used  gen- 
erally^ they  are  not  capitalized. 

The  Bed  River;  The  Susquehanna  river;  The  rivers 
of  Asia;  The  Green  Mountains;  The  Eocky  Mountains; 
The  mountains  of  Colorado;  Michigan  City;  New  York 
City. 

(a)  River  forms  a  part  of  the  proper  name  "Bed 
Biver,"  but  it  is  not  necessarily  a  part  of  the  name  "Sus- 
quehanna," for  example;  in  the  first  construction,  the 
word  river  cannot  be  omitted,  while  in  the  second,  it  can 
be  omitted;  thus:     "The  Bed"  would  not  make  sense, 
whereas,  a  river,  especially  when  large,  may  be  referred 
to  as  "The  Susquehanna,"  "The  Missouri,"  etc. 

(b)  Mountain  is  usually  capitalized,  as  the  proper 
name  can  hardly  be  regarded  as  complete  without  the 
use  of  the  descriptive  name;  thus,  while  we  may  refer 
to  the  Rockies,  we  can  not  say  "The  Bocky."    In  the 
proper  name,  "The  Green  Mountains,"  both  words  are 
necessary  to  express  the  meaning. 

(c)  City  is  capitalized  in  Michigan  City,"  as  it  is 
a  part  of  the  name.    While  some  writers  would  not  capi- 
talize city  in  "New  York  City,"  the  word  should  be 
capitalized,  for  the  reason  that  it  is  used,  for  the  time 
being,  as  a  part  of  the  name  in  order  to  distinguish  the 
name  of  the  city  from  that  of  the  state. 

*From  CORRECT  ENGLISH:  A  COMPLETE  GRAMMAR. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  59 

GEOGRAPHICAL,     NAMES     USED       GEOGRAPHICAL     NAMES     USED 
SPECIFICALLY.  GENERALLY. 

(Both    names     are     re-  The  western  coast  of  Eng- 

quired  to  form  the  proper  land 

name.)  The  Mediterranean  Sea* 

The  Pacific  Coast  The  Hudson  river 

The  Bed  Sea*  The  city  of  Chicago 

The  Bed  River  The  village  of  Wilmette 

Michigan  City  The  town  of  Lake 

Cook  County  Lake  Michigan  is  one  of  a 

Dobbs  Ferry  chain  of  lakes. 
Long  Island  Sound 
The  Great  Lakes 
Lake  Michigan 

(d)  Some  authorities  would  use  small  letters  in  such 
names  as,   "Grover's  Lane,"  "York  Place,"  "Davis 
Street,"  "Cook  County;"  but  these  variations  from  the 
rule  confuse  the  writer  who  wishes  to  adopt  a  uniform 
style  of  capitalization;  in  consequence,  it  would  seem 
better  to  employ  capitals  in  each  instance,  for  the  rea- 
son that  the  name  is  not  complete  until  both  words  are 
used. 

(e)  Again,  when  one  of  the  names  is  not  restrictive 
in  its  use,  the  name  that  follows  it  should  be  capitalized ; 
thus:    "The  Pacific"  means  the  Pacific   Ocean;   "The 
Mississippi"  means  the  Mississippi  river;  hence  in  the 
names,  "The  Pacific  Coast,"  "The  Mississippi  Valley," 
the  words  coast  and  valley  should  be  capitalized,  for  the 
reason  that  they  are  required  to  complete  the  meaning. 

(/)     Usage  varies  as  to  the  capitalization  of  river, 

*We  may  refer  to  "The  Mediterranean,"  but  not  to  "The  Red;" 
hence,  sea  is  a  part  of  the  name  in  the  Red  Sea,  and,  in  consequence, 
should  be  capitalized. 


60  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

ocean,  mountain,  for  the  reason  that  two  rules  are  in 
opposition  to  each  other.  Eule  1  requires  the  capital, 
because  the  name  is  used  specifically,  while  Eule  2  re- 
quires small  letters,  because  the  omission  of  the  de- 
scriptive name  does  not  affect  the  meaning. 

(g)  Because  of  the  non-restrictive  use  of  such  words 
as  state,  territory,  government,  these  words  are  capital- 
ized in  such  constructions  as,  "The  State  of  Illinois, " 
or  "Illinois  is  a  State ;"  "The  Territory  of  Alaska,"  or 
"Alaska  is  a  Territory;"  "The  French  Government" 
or  "The  Government  of  France."  State  and  govern- 
ment are  also  capitalized  when  used  in  place  of  the  proper 
names;  as,  "The  State  has  made  a  new  law;"  "The  Gov- 
ernment has  decided  to  enlarge  its  navy."  (Note  that 
state,  territory,  and  government  have  other  uses ;  thus : 
"state"  may  mean  condition;  "territory,"  a  tract  of 
land;  "government,"  control.) 

(h)  In  the  following  constructions,  the  words  in 
italics  should  not  be  capitalized : 

The  tropic  of  Cancer;  the  tropic  of  Capricorn;  the 
arctic  and  the  antarctic  circle;  the  polar  circle;  the 
equator;  the  torrid  zone;  the  north  and  the  south  tem- 
perate zone;  the  eastern  and  the  western  "hemisphere; 
the  northern  and  the  southern  hemisphere. 

The  foregoing  constructions  are  used  merely  to  in- 
dicate geographical  lines  of  position,  and  not  real  places ; 
hence,  they  need  not  be  capitalized. 

(i)  Valley  and  Stream  should  be  capitalized  in  the 
expressions,  "The  Mississippi  Valley,"  "The  Gulf 
Stream,"  because  used  specifically.  The  Great  Basin, 
meaning  the  Cordilleran  region,  is  capitalized;  but  basin 
in  the  "Kongo  basin"  is  not  capitalized. 


PUNCTUATION.* 

The  following  rules  of  Punctuation  are  especially 
applicable  to  business  usage : 

The  chief  marks  of  punctuation  are:  the  comma,  the 
semicolon,  the  period,  the  interrogation  point,  the  marks 
of  quotation,  the  apostrophe,  and  the  parenthesis. 

The  Comma. 

The  following  rules  govern  the  use  of  the  comma: 

1.  Use  a  comma  before  and  in  a  series,  unless  the 
connection  in  thought  between  the  words  that  it  imme- 
diately connects  is  closer  than  between  the  last  word  and 
the  preceding  words. 

We  wish  berths  reserved  for  James  Black,  John  Gray, 
and  Thomas  White.  (Three  berths  for  three  persons.) 

We  wish  berths  reserved  for  James  Black,  John  Gray, 
Thomas  White  and  brother.  (Three  berths  for  four  per- 
sons.) 

2.  Use  a  comma  after  a  long  subject. 

The  fact  that  many  of  the  leading  publishers  arb 
making  great  efforts  to  secure  the  passage  of  this  bill,  is 
evidence  of  the  general  interest  that  has  been  created. 

3.  Use  a  comma  (a)  after  a  noun  clause  when  long, 
and  (b)  after  a  short  noun  clause  ending  with  a  verb. 

(a)  That  the  work  of  carrying  on  an  extensive  busi- 
ness and  attending  to  all  the  details  is  difficult,  no  one 
will  dispute. 

(b)  That  he  has  failed,  does  not  concern  you. 

4.  Use  a  comma  before  a  clause  beginning  with  who 

*An  exhaustive  exposition  of  all  the  rules  is  given  in  CORREC* 
ENGLISK:  A  COMPLETE  GRAMMAR. 


62  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

or  which  only  when  the  meaning  is  "and  he"  (she,  it, 
etc.). 

Your  employer,  who  is  a  man  of  strict  integrity, 
would  agree  to  these  terms.  "Who  is  a  man,"  etc.,  is 
equivalent  to  saying  "and  he  is  a  man,"  etc. 

"The  goods,  which  were  in  perfect  condition  when 
purchased,  were  entirely  ruined  in  transit." 

4.  Omit  the  comma  before  that,  who,  or  which,  when 
"and  he"  (she,  it,  etc.)  cannot  be  substituted. 

This  is  the  man  that  called  yesterday. 

This  is  the  man  who  called  yesterday. 

These  are  the  goods  which  were  ruined  in  transit. 

Note. — That  is  generally  regarded  as  preferable  to 
who  or  which  when  "and  he"  (she,  it,  etc.)  cannot  be 
substituted. 

5.  A  transposed  participial  phrase  is  set  off  by  a 
comma. 

Eeplying  to  your  letter  of  July  5,  we  quote  you  the 
following  prices. 

Note. — It  is  incorrect  to  use  any  punctuation  mark 
Other  than  a  comma  in  constructions  like  the  foregoing. 
The  use  of  the  period  (or  the  colon),  as  in  the  following, 
is  incorrect;  thus: 

Referring  to  your  letter  of  July  5.  We,  etc.  [See  p.  47. 1 

6.  An  intervening  participial  phrase  is  set  off  by 
commas  except  where  it  is  not  strictly  parenthetical. 

The  manager,  depending  on  his  subordinates  to  carry 
out  his  plans,  left  all  the  correspondence  in  charge  of  his 
secretary. "  (Parenthetical.) 

A  manager  depending  solely  on  his  subordinates  to 
carry  out  his  plans  can  not  succeed.  (Not  strictly  paren- 
thetical.) 

Note. — In  the  first  sentence,  the  participial  phrase  is 
equivalent  to  <(who  depends;"  in  the  second,  to  (tthat 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  63 

depends."    (Compare  with  the  illustrations  under  Eules 
3,4.) 

7.  Use  a  comma  after  the  following  adverbs  intro- 
ducing   a    sentence:      Again,    besides,   first,    secondly, 
thirdly,   lastly,   finally,   hence,  therefore,  consequently, 
moreover,  nay,  now,  indeed,  thus,  nevertheless. 

Note. — The  adverb  introducing  the  sentence  modifies 
the  entire  construction. 

8.  Adverbs    parenthetically    used    are    set    off   by 
commas. 

Nothing,  however,  can  mend  this  defect. 

9.  Adverbs  that  modify  some  other  part  of  speech 
are  not  set  off  by  commas. 

"However  necessary  it  may  be,  I  shall  not  decide 
now. ' ' 

Note. — In  the  foregoing  sentence,  however  modifies 
necessary,  and  so  is  not  set  off  by  a  comma.  In  the  fol- 
lowing sentence,  however  modifies  the  entire  construc- 
tion, and  so  is  set  off  by  a  comma. 

"However,  it  is  not  necessary  to  decide  this  ques- 
tion now." 

The  rules  that  apply  to  adverbs  apply  also  to  ad- 
verbial phrases  and  clauses ;  thus : 

On  the  last  day  of  April,  we  mailed  you  a  statement. 
(Transposed  adverbial  phrase.) 

In  looking  over  our  accounts,  we  find  that  we  mailed 
you,  on  the  last  day  of  April,  a  statement.  ( [a]  Trans- 
posed adverbial  phrase;  [b]  intervening  adverbial 
phrase.) 

Before  we  can  send  you  a  full  statement,  we  shall  be 
obliged  to  go  over  the  accounts.  (Transposed  adverbial 
clause.) 

"We  are  sorry  to  say  that,  before  we  can  send  you 


64  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

a  statement,  it  will  be  necessary, "  etc.  (Intervening  ad- 
verbial clause.) 

10.  Use  a  comma  to  separate  the  parts  of  a  com- 
pound sentence  where  the  connection  in  thought  is  close. 

"The  books  were  mailed  on  the  day  that  the  order 
was  received,  and  the  bill  was  sent  at  the  same  time." 
(Connection  in  thought  is  close.) 

The   Semicolon. 

The  semicolon  is  used  to  separate  parts  that  are  not 
closely  connected  in  thought. 

"The  books  were  mailed  on  the  day  that  the  order 
was  received;  the  bill  was  not  sent  until  several  days 
later.  (Connection  in  thought  is  sufficiently  remote  to 
admit  of  a  semicolon.) 

The   Period. 

Eule. — Use  a  period  after  every  abbreviation. 

Jas.  B.  Blank. 

Jas.  B.  Blank,  M.  D. 

Some  writers  use  periods  after  Eoman  letters ;  others 
omit  them;  as:    Chapter  X.,  or  Chap.  X;  Eule  VII. 

Note. — Periods  are  used  after  titles,  headings,  and 
side  heads,  except  in  advertising  matter  and  in  the  title 
pages  of  books  and  magazines. 

The  Interrogation  Point. 

Eule. — Use  an  interrogation  point  after  every  direct 
question. 

When  shall  our  representative  call,  in  the  morning  or 
in  the  evening? 

Note. — When  several  questions  have  a  common  de- 
pendence, usage  varies  as  to  the  repetition  of  the  inter- 
rogation point.  The  following  styles  are  both  used : 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  65 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  delay?  of  all  this 
neglect  of  our  interests  ?  of  all  this  disregard  for  our 
wishes  I ' ' 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  delay;  of  all  this 
neglect  of  our  interests;  of  all  this  disregard  for  our 
wishes  ? ' ' 

Quotation   Marks. 
BULES. 

1.  Use  quotation  marks  for  all  direct  quotations; 
omit  them  when  the  quotation  is  indirect. 

He  writes  as  follows:  "I  will  come  on  Thursday. " 
(Direct  quotation.) 

He  writes  us  that  he  will  come  on  Thursday.  (In- 
direct quotation.) 

2.  A  quotation  within  a  quotation  is  set  off  by  single 
marks. 

Our  client  writes  as  follows:  "I  am  in  receipt  of  a 
letter  from  my  partner,  who  says:  'I  shall  do  nothing 
in  this  matter  until  I  hear  from  you  '  " 

Note. — The  number  of  marks  at  the  close  must  rep- 
resent the  marks  used. 

Position  of  the  Quotation  Marks. 

Eule. — Quotation  marks  properly  follow  the  comma, 
the  semicolon,  and  the  period. 

"We  cannot  overcome  these  difficulties;"  our  client 
writes. 

I  take  "Harper's  Monthly,"  "The  Century  Maga- 
zine," and  "The  Fortnightly  Keview." 

They  offer  to  close  the  deal,  as  they  put  it,  "without 
another  day's  delay;"  but  we  are  hardly  in  a  position 
to  take  advantage  of  their  offer. 

Our  client  writes :    "It  is  impossible  for  me  to  come." 


66  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

The    Interrogation    Point  with   Quotation   Marks. 

Eule. — If  the  interrogation  point  refers  only  to  the 
words  quoted,  it  must  be  placed  within  the  quotation 
marks ;  but  if  it  refers  to  the  rest  of  the  construction,  it 
must  be  placed  outside  the  quotation  marks. 

Our  client  writes,  "May  I  have  an  immediate  an- 
swer ? ' ' 

Did  your  client  write,  "May  I  have  an  immediate 
answer"? 

Note. — The  same  rule  applies  to  the  exclamation 
point. 

The    Parenthesis. 

Eule. — Marks  of  parenthesis  are  used  to  separate  ex- 
pressions that  have  no  vital  connection  with  the  rest  of 
the  sentence.  The  words  within  the  parentheses  are 
punctuated  the  same  as  in  an  independent  construction, 
with  the  exception  of  the  last  word,  which  is  subject  to 
a  special  rule;  thus: 

When  the  word  preceding  the  parenthesis  requires  a 
punctuation  mark,  the  mark  is  placed  before  the  paren- 
thesis if  the  last  word  within  the  parentheses  is  punctu- 
ated; if  not,  the  punctuation  mark  is  placed  after  the 
parenthesis. 

While  we,  as  publishers,  desire  to  increase  our  sub- 
scription list,  (and  what  publisher  does  not?)  we  do  not 
wish  to  increase  it  at  a  loss.  (Comma  properly  precedes 
the  parenthesis,  for  the  reason  that  the  last  word  within 
the  parentheses  is  punctuated.) 

While  we,  as  publishers,  desire  to  increase  our  sub- 
scription list  (and  all  publishers  desire  to  do  so),  we  do 
not  wish  to  increase  it  at  a  loss.  (Comma  properly  fol- 
lows the  parenthesis,  for  the  reason  that  the  last  word 
within  the  parentheses  is  not  punctuated.) 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  67 

The  Independent  Parenthesis. 

Rule. — A  parenthesis  is  independent  when  it  is  pre- 
ceded by  a  period.  The  last  word  within  the  parentheses 
must  then  be  followed  by  a  period. 

He  inquired  whether  we  had  shipped  the  goods.  (By 
way  of  explanation,  we  could  not  answer  this  question 
at  that  time.) 

The  Apostrophe. 

Eule. — The  apostrophe  is  used  to  indicate  the  omis- 
sions of  letters,  and  in  special  cases,  to  indicate  plurals 
and  possessives. 

He  doesn't  care  to  go.    (Does  not.) 
We  have  no  more  6's  and  7's  (6es  and  7es). 
9  11  (instead  of  1911). 

Dot  your  i's  and  cross  your  t's.    (Plural.) 
How  many  m's  are  there  in  this  page?    (Plural.) 
Note. — The  apostrophe  is  not  used  when  the  figures 
are  written  in  full;  as:    "There  are  four  threes  in  this 
line ; "  ' '  There  are  two  thousand  ems  in  this  page. ' ' 

Note. — For  use  of  apostrophe  in  names  used  by  busi- 
ness firms,  see  the  department  entitled,  "  Business 
English,"  The  Apostrophe. 


BUSINESS    ENGLISH    FOR   THE    BUSINESS 

MAN. 

Note. — The  following  rulings  on  the  use  of  business 
terms  are  from  THE  CORRECT  WORD:  How  TO  USE  IT. 

A  full  and  comprehensive  list  of  almost  every  conceiv- 
able form  of  correct  diction  is  contained  in  THE  CORRECT 
WORD  :  How  TO  USE  IT.  In  this  text  there  is  space  for 
only  a  comparatively  few  words. 

Above. 

The  use  of  above  as  an  adjective  in  such  constructions 
as,  "the  above  address, "  is  censured  by  some  authorities; 
but  it  conforms  to  the  business  employment  of  the  lan- 
guage. Careful  speakers  prefer  such  constructions  as 
"The  address  given  above;"  or  "The  above  mentioned 
address,"  for  the  reason  that  above  can  then  be  properly 
construed  as  an  adverb. 

Addressed. 

The  wording  addressed,  formerly  used  in  the  super- 
scription of  a  letter  to  be  delivered  by  hand,   is   now 
omitted. 
Accede  and  Concede. 

Accede  is  specifically  used  in  the  sense  of  to  yield;  as, 
"to  accede  to  one's  request;"  Concede  is  used  in  the 
sense  of  to  admit  as  true,  to  grant  privileges;  thus:  in 
nice  usage,  we  accede  to  one's  terms,  or  one's  requests, 
and  concede  to  the  truth  of  a  statement ;  to  a  franchise. 

Accept  and  Accept  Of. 

Of  is  always  superfluously  used  with  .accept,  thus: 
"We  accept  your  terms,"  not  "we  accept  of  your  terms." 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  *9 

Acknowledgment. 

The  spelling  acknowledgment  is  preferable  to 
acknowledgement. 

After  Having. 

After  is  superfluous  in  the  sentence,  "After  having 
seen  him,  I  returned  nome." 

After,  Afterward  and  Afterwards. 

After,  afterward,  and  afterwards,  meaning  later  in 
time,  are  interchangeable  in  meaning.  We  say  with  equal 
propriety:  "He  came  three  hours  after,  or  afterward  or 
afterwards. 

Ago  and  Since. 

Since  is  preferable  to  ago  when  referring  to  events 
that  are  recent ;  ago  is  preferable  to  since  when  referring 
to  events  that  are  not  recent;  as,  "a  few  days  since,"  but 
"a  year  ago." 

Agreeably  With. 

The  adverb  'agreeably,  and  not  the  adjective  agree- 
able, is  required  in  such  constructions  as,  "Agreeably 
with  your  request,  we  send,"  etc.,  because  it  is  the  verb 
that  is  modified. 

Note,  too,  that  the  preposition  with  seems  more  close- 
ly to  express  the  meaning  than  does  to,  agreeably  with 
meaning  conformably  ivith. 

All  Of. 

Of  is  not  required  in  such  constructions  as  t(  all  of 
our  assets ;"  "all  our  assets "  fully  expressing  the  mean- 
ing. The  same  rule  applies  to  " almost  all." 

All  Ready  and  Already. 

All  ready  means  quite  prepared;  as,  "I  am  all  ready 
to  go."  Already  means  by  this  or  that  time;  previously 
to,  or  at  some  specified  time,  or  the  time  present,  thus 


70  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

early;  even  then,  or  even  now;  as,  "He  has  already  per- 
formed the  task." 

All   Right  and  Alright. 

All  right  is  correctly  written  only  as  two  words. 

All-Round   Man  or  An  Ail-Around   Man. 

"An  all-round  man"  is  the  correct  form. 

Alternative. 

Other  is  superfluous  in  such  constructions  as,  "There 
is  no  other  alternative."  Again,  alternative  is  used  only 
of  two  things;  in  consequence,  such  expressions  as, 
"There  are  three  alternatives/'  are  incorrect. 

Although,  Though. 

Although  and  though,  meaning  in  spite  of  the  fact 
that,  are  interchangeably  used ;  as,  "I  shall  go,  although 
(or  though)  I  am  hardly  able  to  do  so." 

Amounts. 

The  plural  amounts  is  correct  in  such  constructions 
as,  "We  donate  the  amounts  set  opposite  our  names." 

Annual  and  Yearly. 

Annual  and  yearly  are  interchangeable  in  meaning; 
as,  "His  annual  (or  yearly)  income  is  two  thousand 
dollars;"  "This  is  our  yearly  (or  annual)  clearing 
sale." 

Answer  and  Reply. 

An  answer  is  a  response  or  rejoinder, — spoken  or 
written  to  a  question  (expressed  or  implied),  request, 
appeal,  prayer,  call,  petition,  demand,  challenge,  objec- 
tion, argument,  address,  letter,  or  to  anything  said  or 
written.  A  reply  is  a  response,  written  or  spoken,  in 
return  for  something  that  seems  to  call  for  it,  as  to  give 
the  information  sought  in  a  question,  or  to  defend  oneself 
or  some  one  else  against  an  attack.  The  following  slight 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  71 

distinction  is  made  between  the  uses  of  these  words: 
An  answer  is  a  response  to  a  question  or  a  charge,  a  re- 
ply is  a  response  to  an  assertion ;  the  latter  implies  more 
thought  and  intelligence  than  the  former. 

Apostrophe  in  Names  of  Business  Firms. 

There  is  a  general  tendency  to  omit  the  apostrophe 
in  the  titles  employed  by  business  firms  and  corpora- 
tions; thus:  "The  Studebaker  Bros.  Manufacturing 
Company,"  instead  of  "The  Studebaker  Bros.'  Manu- 
facturing Company." 

Appertain  and  Pertain. 

Appertain  and  pertain  are  interchangeably  used,  and 
are  equally  correct. 

Appreciate. 

Note. — Appreciate,  opposed  to  depreciate,  means  to 
increase  in  value;  hence,  such  expressions  as,  "The 
property  appreciates  from  year  to  year,"  although  cen- 
sured by  some  critics,  are  correct. 

Appreciate  Highly. 

Highly  is  superfluous  in  such  constructions  as,  "We 
appreciate  your  services  highly/'  for  the  reason  that 
appreciate  means  to  place  a  sufficiently  high  estimate  on. 

Apprehend  and  Comprehend. 

Apprehend  means  to  perceive;  as,  "I  apprehend 
danger. ' '  Comprehend  means  to  understand;  as,  "I  com- 
prehend your  meaning." 

Balance. 

The  use  of  balance  in  the  sense  of  remainder  or  rest 
is  incorrect  in  such  constructions  as,  "The  balance  of  the 
evening  was  spent  in  looking  over  the  accounts."  Bal- 
ance is  an  accountant's  term,  and  properly  is  used  of 
that  which  must  be  added1to  the  less  or  subtracted  from 


72  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

the  greater  of  two  amounts,  as  receipts  or  expenses,  in 
order  to  make  them  equal;  and  as  it  does  not  properly 
denote  what  is  left  after  a  part  has  been  taken  away,  as 
indicated  it  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of  remainder 
or  rest. 

Been  To. 

Been  to  is  colloquial;  been  in  or  been  at  being  re- 
garded as  correct,  according  as  the  case  may  require; 
thus:  "I  have  been  in  the  city;"  "I  have  been  at  my 
office."  It  is  difficult  to  avoid  the  use  of  been  to,  for  the 
reason  that  been  at  or  in  does  not  seem  wholly  to  convey 
the  meaning. 

In  business  usage,  such  expressions  as,  "We  have 
been  to  a  good  deal  of  trouble  on  this  account  "  are  com- 
mon; been  at,  however,  seems  preferable. 

Beg. 

The  use  of  beg  in  such  constructions  as,  "I  beg  to 
state,"  is  censured,  (a)  as  being  an  overworked  term, 
and  (b)  as  hardly  expressing  the  truth. 

Bill,  Invoice,  Statement. 

A  bill  is  a  statement  of  an  account  or  of  money  due ; 
a  paper  setting  forth  the  amount  of  a  debt,  as  for  goods 
delivered,  or  for  services  rendered.  An  invoice  is  a  list 
sent  to  a  purchaser  or  a  consignee,  containing  the  items 
of  merchandise  purchased,  with  the  prices  and  the 
charges.  A  statement  is  a  bill  for  money  due. 

Black  and  White's  Contract. 

"Black  and  White's  contract"  is  correct,  for  the  rea- 
son that  single  possession  is  indicated.  If,  however,  a 
pronoun  is  substituted,  the  possessive  form  is  used;  as, 
"Your  and  White's  contract.  *  See  Possessives. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  73 

Bookkeeper,  Bookkeeping. 

Bookkeeper  and  bookkeeping  are  properly  written 
without  a  hyphen. 

Boughten  Suit  or  Dress. 

Boughten  is  colloquially  used  in  the  United  States  for 
purchased.  It  is,  therefore,  not  in  accordance  with  the 
best  usage  of  the  language. 

But  Him. 

Used  as  a  preposition,  in  the  sense  of  except,  but 
must  always  be  followed  by  the  objective  case ;  as,  "  There 
was  no  one  at  home  but  Mm  and  me  (not  he  and  7). 

But  That  and  But  What. 

But  that  means  except  the  thing  referred  to;  but  what 
means  except  that  which;  as,  "I  do  not  know  but  that  I 
shall  go."  "I  have  nothing  but  what  (but  that  which) 
you  gave  me." 

Collective  Nouns.* 

A  collective  noun  may  be  either  singular  or  plural; 
as,  committee,  committees;  company,  companies.  When 
plural,  it  always  requires  a  plural  verb.  When  singular, 
it  requires  a  singular  verb,  unless  special  reference  is 
made  to  the  individuals  represented  by  the  noun,  when 
it  requires  a  plural  verb,  thus : 

The  committee  has  adjourned. 

The  committee  are  all  of  the  same  opinion. 

See  Company. 

Company  Is  or  Are. 

Company  should  be  treated  as  singular  unless  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  refer  to  the  individuals  represented 
by  this-  collective  noun.  Thus  we  write,  * '  The  company  is 
erecting  a  new  building."  "The  company  disagree 


*A  full  exposition  of  collective  nouns  is  given  in   THE  CORRECT 
WORD;  How  TO  USE  IT. 


74  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

among  themselves  as  to,"  etc.;  or,  again,  "The  company 
have  accepted  our  proposition,  and  write  that  they," 
etc.  (The  use  of  the  plural  verb  have  in  this  sentence  is 
made  in  order  to  avoid  a  shift  of  number.  To  say  "and 
write  that  it,"  etc.,  suggests  an  inanimate  body,  and, 
hence,  the  plural  form  they  is  preferable.) 

Company  (or  the  Firm)  That,  Who,  or  Which. 

If  the  company  (or  the  firm)  is  thought  of  collectively, 
use  either  that  or  ivhich.  If  thought  of  as  individuals, 
use  that  or  who,  as  the  case  may  require.  Thus:  (col- 
lectively) "The  company  (or  the  firm)  that  (or  which) 
pays  the  highest  salaries  to  its  employees,  does  not  al- 
ways receive  the  best  service."  (The  clause  introduced 
by  that  is  restrictive,  and,  in  consequence,  that  is  prefer- 
able to  which.) 

Our  company  (or  firm),  which,  by  the  way,  has  always 
had  unlimited  credit,  has  gone  into  bankruptcy.  (Clause 
introduced  by  which  is  non-restrictive, — adds  a  new  fact. 
— and  so  is  introduced  by  which,  that  always  being  in- 
correct when  a  new  fact  is  added.  Note  that  a  comma 
precedes  ivhich  and  that  it  does  not  precede  that.) 

(Individuals  are  referred  to.)  The  company  (or 
firm),  who  have  offered  me  several  inducements  to  co- 
operate with  them,  are  now  divided  in  their  opinions  as 
to  the  possible  outcome  of  their  latest  transaction. 

Compare  With  and  Compare  To. 

Use  "compare  with"  when  representing  the  relative 
merits  of  the  things  compared;  "compare  to"  when 
likening  one  thing  to  another ;  thus : 

"Compare  this  cloth  with  that,  and  tell  me  which  you 
prefer. ' ' 

"He  compared  his  stenographer  to  a  machine." 

The  wording,  "This  is  not  to  be  compared  with  that," 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  75 

or  "  We  cannot  compare  this  with  that,"  is  properly  used 
to  convey  the  meaning  of  inferiority  of  one  of  the  things 
compared. 

Compensation  and  Remuneration. 

Compensation  means  that  which  is  given  or  received 
as  an  equivalent,  as  for  services,  debt,  loss,  etc.  Remun- 
eration is  a  compensation  for  personal  services;  as,  "The 
pleasure  compensates  for  the  pain,"  "He  was  remuner- 
ated for  his  work  by  an  increase  in  his  salary." 

Confess  and  Admit. 

In  its  chief  use,  confess  means  to  make  an  admission 
of  wrongdoing;  and,  as  it  is  a  stronger  word  than  admit, 
the  latter  is  preferable  when  used  merely  to  acknowl- 
edge the  truth  of  a  statement,  or  to  acknowledge  a  mis- 
take. One  admits  a  mistake,  acknowledges  a  fault,  and 
confesses  a  sin  or  a  wrong.  Instead  of  saying,  "I  con- 
fess that  I  am  entirely  ignorant  of  the  facts,"  one  prefer- 
ably says,  "I  admit/'  etc. 

Contents. 

Contents  is  plural  in  form  and  plural  in  meaning ;  as, 
"The  contents  of  your  letter  surprise  me."  Occasion- 
ally, however,  where  the  context  favors  a  singular  con- 
struction, the  singular  verb  is  used;  as,  "The  contents 
of  the  jug  is  vinegar." 

Correspond  To  and  With. 

Correspond  to  means  answer  or  conform  to;  as, 
"Does  this  description  correspond  to  your  idea  of  what 
the  place  is  like?"  Correspond  with  means  to  communi- 
cate with  by  written  word;  as,  "They  correspond  with 
each  other." 

Cos. 

The  plural  of  Co.  (abbreviation  of  company)  is  Cos. 


76  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

The  possessive  singular  is  Co.'s;  the  possessive  plural 
is  Cos.' 

Dally  Journal. 

Journal  means  daily;  in  consequence,  such  wordings 
as  daily,  weekly,  and  monthly  journals,  are  incorrect, 
daily  being  superfluous,  and  weekly  and  monthly  not  ex- 
pressing the  meaning.  One  properly  says,  for  example, 
"A  daily  (or  weekly)  newspaper;"  "A  monthly  (or 
quarterly)  magazine." 

Damage. 

Damage  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of  cost  or 
charge;  as,  "What  is  the  damage ?"  "I'll  pay  the  dam- 
age," instead  of  "What  is  the  cost?"  "I'll  pay  the 
cost."  Damage  is  correctly  used  in  the  sense 
of  hurt  or  injury;  as,  "No  human  being  can 
arbitrarily  dominate  over  another  without  grievous 
damage  to  his  own  nature."  The  plural  form 
damages,  of  which  the  incorrect  use  of  damage  is  a  per- 
version, is  correctly  used  as  a  law  term,  meaning  money 
that  is  recoverable  as  amends  for  a  wrong  and  injury 
sustained;  as,  "The  plaintiff  was  awarded  merely  nom- 
inal damages." 

Data. 

Data,  pronounced  either  day'ta  or  data  (a  as  in  ask), 
but  not  dah'ta  (a  as  in  father),  is  a  plural  noun;  in  con- 
sequence, constructions  like  "What  is  the  data  in  the 
case?"  are  incorrect,  the  plural  verb  are  being  required 
instead. 

Deal. 

Deal,  in  the  sense  of  transaction,  agreement,  or  ar- 
rangement, is  incorrect.  Instead  of  saying,  "I  have  a 
deal  on  hand,"  one  should  say,  "I  have  a  transaction 
on  hand." 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  77 

Deal  With. 

Deal,  in  the  sense  of  discuss,  is  properly  followed 
by  with,  and  not  by  on  or  of;  as,  "The  subject  deals  with 
the  necessity  for  taxation  on  personal  incomes." 

Dear  and  My  Dear. 

Dear  is  regarded  as  less  formal  than  my  dear  in  the 
salutation  of  a  letter. 

Decreases. 

Decrease  is  properly  pluralized  in  such  constructions 
as,  "These  are  the  decreases,"  the  word  meaning 
"amounts  that  have  become  lessened." 

Depositary  and  Depository. 

A  depositary  is  a  person  with  whom  anything  is  left 
or  lodged  in  trust;  a  depository  is  a  place  where  any- 
thing is  lodged  for  safe-keeping ;  as,  "He  made  his  banker 
his  depositary;"  "He  placed  his  important  papers  in 
the  depository  of  the  First  National  Bank." 

Different  Than  or  To. 

Different  than,  or  to,  is  always  incorrect,  from  being 
required  instead;  as,  "This  is  different  from  that." 

Differently  is  likewise  followed  by  from;  as,  "This 
books  is  bound  differently  from  that." 

Differ  From  and  Differ  With. 

"Differ  from"  is  used  in  the  sense  of  "different 
from"  to  express  a  difference;  as:  "Character  differs 
from  reputation;"  "I  differ  from  him  in  my  political 
views."  "Differ  with"  is  used  to  express  disagreement 
ly  word  of  mouth;  dispute;  as,  "They  differ  with  each 
other  every  time  they  meet." 

Direct  and  Address. 

Direct,  in  the  sense  of  address,  as  to  direct  a  letter, 
is  criticised  by  some  writers,  but  this  use  is  recorded  as 


78  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

correct.    Possibly  the  tendency  to  employ  address  to  the 
exclusion  of  direct,  is  one  that  should  be  encouraged. 

Direct  and  Directly. 

Direct  is  an  adverb,  as  well  as  an  adjective.  As  an 
adverb,  it  is  used  interchangeably  with  the  adverb 
directly  to  indicate  in  a  straight  line  or  course;  as:  "He 
went  direct  to  the  point/'  "He  went  directly  to  the 
point;"  "Ship  the  goods  direct  from  St.  Louis,"  or 
"Ship  the  goods  directly  from  St.  Louis."  Direct  is  con- 
strued as  an  adjective  in  such  sentences  as,  "Make  the 
shipment  direct  (shipment  [to  be]  direct;  that  is,  a  direct 
shipment) ;  and,  as  an  adverb  would  not  conform  to  the 
requirements  of  grammar  in  constructions  of  this  kind, 
directly  would  be  incorrect.  When  the  idea  to  be  con- 
veyed is  without  the  intervention  of  any  medium,  directly 
more  closely  expresses  the  meaning,  direct  not  being 
used  in  this  sense;  as:  "He  voted  directly,  and  not 
through  a  representative;"  "Please  correspond  with 
me  directly  in  this  matter." 

Directly  and  Immediately. 

Directly,  in  the  sense  of  immediately,  as,  "I  will  come 
directly/'  is  correct.  When  used  in  the  sense  of  as  soon 
as,  both,  directly  and  immediately  are  objectionable.  In- 
stead of  "Directly  he  arrived,  he  called  on  his  employer," 
as  soon  as  should  be  used. 

Dispatch  and  Despatch. 

Dispatch  takes  precedence  over  despatch. 

Else  and  But. 

Else  is  properly  followed  by  than,  and  not  by  but. 
One  correctly  says:  "It  was  no  one  else  (or  no  other) 
than  he;"  or,  "It  was  no  one  but  him."  (Observe  that 
the  nominative  he  follows  than,  and  that  the  objective 
him  follows  but.) 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  79 

En  and  In. 

An  an  affix,  when  en  and  in  are  both  recorded,  prece- 
dence is  given  to  in  in  the  spelling  of  inquire,  inquirer, 
inquiry,  by  both  Century  and  Standard.  In  the  spelling 
of  inclose,  Century  prefers  "wclose;"  Standard,  "en- 
close. "  In  "endorse"  and  "wdorse,"  Century  favors 
"wdorse;"  Standard  records  that  the  affix  in  is  prefer- 
able in  legal  and  commercial  use;  en,  in  literary  use." 
To  simplify  the  matter,  it  might  be  well  to  use  the  affix 
in  in  all  these  words  and  follow  this  style  invariably; 
as,  inquire,  inquirer,  inquiry;  inclose,  indorse. 

Enclose  and  Inclose. 

See  En  and  In. 

Enclosed  (Inclosed)  please  find. 

Please  is  criticised  by  some  writers  as  superfluous 
in  the  expression,  "Enclosed  (inclosed)  please  find  my 
check."  Inasmuch  as  please  softens  the  imperative  form 
it  should  hardly  be  criticised.  The  difficulty  can  be  over- 
come by  substituting  the  shorter  wording^  "I  (or  we) 
inclose,"  etc. 

Enclose  (Inclose)  Herewith. 

Herewith  is  superfluous  in  the  wording,  "I  inclose 
herewith."  It  might  be  well  to  eliminate  it  and  write 
simply,  "I  inclose." 

Endorse  and  Indorse. 

See  En  and  In. 

Endorse  (Indorse)  and  Approve. 

Endorse  (indorse)  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of 
approve.  Instead  of  saying,  "I  indorse  his  conduct  in 
this  matter,"  one  should  say,  "I  approve  of  his  conduct 
in  this  matter." 

Equally  as. 

As  is  superfluous  when  preceded  by  equally,  for  the 
reason  that  as  itself  expresses  equality.  One  properly 


80  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

says,  "I  like  this  equally  well  as  that,"  or,  "I  like  this 
as  well  as  that,"  but  not  "I  like  this  equally  as  well  as 
that." 

Every  Confidence. 

Every  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of  entire  or 
implicit,  or  without  the  adjective  kind,  or  some  modify- 
ing word;  as,  "I  have  every  confidence  in  him;"  "He 
gave  me  every  attention."  "Entire  (or  implicit)  con- 
fidence" and  i(  Every  kind  of  attention"  are  the  correct 
forms.  Every  is  distributive,  and  in  consequence  can 
not  modify  a  noun  incapable  of  being  separated  into 
parts. 

Every  Once  in  a  While. 

Instead  of  using  such  expressions  as,  "I  go  there 
every  once  in  a  while,"  one  properly  says,  "I  go  there 
once  in  a  while,"  or  "I  go  there  now  and  then,"  or  "I 
go  there  every  little  while."  "Once  in  a  while"  is  a  mean- 
ingless phrase. 

Except  and  Excepting. 

Except  and  excepting  (preposition)  are  interchange- 
ably used;  as,  "I  have  finished  all  except  (or  excepting) 
this." 

Final. 

Final  is  used  of  that  which  is  ended  or  completed ;  in 
consequence,  such  expressions  as  "The  final  end,"  or 
"The  final  completion,"  are  incorrect,  final  being  super- 
fluous. 

Financial,  Monetary,  Pecuniary. 

Financial  applies  to  public  funds,  to  the  revenues  of 
a  government,  or  to  large  private  transactions.  Mone- 
tary and  pecuniary  apply  to  transactions  between  in- 
dividuals. Monetary  relates  more  especially  to  actual 
money,  a  monetary  transaction  being  one  in  which  money 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  81 

is  involved.  Pecuniary  relates  to  that  in  which  money 
is  indirectly  involved;  as,  one's  pecuniary  affairs,  diffi- 
culties, etc.  We  speak  properly  of  the  financial  affairs 
of  the  government ;  of  the  monetary  transactions  between 
individuals ;  of  giving  pecuniary  aid  to  an  individual. 

Fill  Out  or  Fill  in  the  Blank. 

Either  "Fill  out  the  blank,"  or  "Fill  in  the  blank" 
may  be  used. 

Financial  and  Fiscal. 

The  fiscal  year,  referring  to  the  financial  accounting 
done  in  a  year's  time,  in  the  affairs  of  a  nation  or  of  a 
private  business,  is  preferable  to  the  financial  year.  (In 
the  United  States,  the  fiscal  year  ends  June  30.) 

Firstly. 

Firstly  is  always  incorrect,  first  being  the  form  of 
both  the  adjective  and  the  adverb. 

First,  Second,  Etc.;   First,  Secondly,  Etc. 

The  adjectives  first,  second,  third,  etc.,  are  required 
when  the  noun  is  modified;  the  adverbs  first,  secondly, 
thirdly,  etc.,  when  the  verb  is  modified;  as:  "The  fol- 
lowing are  my  reasons :  first,  I  have  no  time  to  give  to 
the  matter ;  second,  I  know  of  no  one  whom  I  can  recom- 
mend; third,''  etc.  (First  reason,  second  reason,  third 
reason.)  "The  disturbance  was  caused,  first,  by  the  ex- 
plosion of  the  boiler;  secondly,  etc. ;  thirdly,"  etc.  (Was 
caused  first,  secondly,  etc.) 

Forty  Million  or  Forty  Millions. 

Among  the  forty  million  people,"  etc.,  is  the  cor- 
rect form ;  the  rule  being  that  when  such  words  as,  hun- 
dred, thousand,  million,  etc.,  are  preceded  by  a  numeral, 
sufficient  plurality  is  expressed  to  admit  of  the  omission 
of  the  letter  "s." 

See  Pair  and  Pairs. 


82  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Hand  a  Statement  and  Inclose  a  Statement. 

One  properly  says,  "I  inclose  a  statement  of  your 
account,"  not  "I  hand  you  a  statement,"  etc.,  hand  be- 
ing properly  used  when  the  transmission  is  made  by 
hand. 

In  or  On  Behalf  of. 

In  and  on  are  interchangeably  used  in  the  expressions 
"in  behalf  of"  and  "on  behalf  of." 

Instalment  and  Installment. 

The  spelling  in  instalment  takes  precedence  over  in- 
stallment. 
Indorse  and  Endorse. 

See  En  and  In. 

Indorse  (Endorse)  on  the  Back. 

"On  the  back"  is  superfluous  in  the  wording,  "In- 
dorse the  check  on  the  back/'  the  phrase  being  implied 
in  the  word  indorse,  which  means  to  write  upon  the  back 
of. 

Informed  and  Posted. 

Informed,  and  not  posted,  is  required  in  such  sen- 
tences as,  "He  is  well-informed  on  such  matters."  Again, 
post  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of  inform;  as,  "I 
wish  you  would  post  me  before  I  go. ' ' 

Inquire  and  Enquire. 

See  In  and  En. 

Invoice  and  Inventory. 

An  invoice  is  a  list  of  goods  and  their  prices  sent  by 
the  seller  to  the  purchaser.  An  inventory  is  a  list  of 
the  goods  owned  by  an  individual,  a  firm,  or  a  corpora- 
tion. 

See  Bill. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  83 

Jr.  and  Sr. 

A  title  is  used  with  Jr.  or  Sr.;  as,  "Mr.  John  Smith, 
Jr.;"  "Mr.  John  Smith,  Sr."  Jr.  or  Sr.  must  be  set 
off  by  comma. 

Kindly  and  Please. 

Kindly  and  please  are  interchangeably  used  in  such 
constructions  as,  "Kindly  send  me  particulars  of  your 
course  in  English,"  or  "Please  send  me,"  etc. 

Kindnesses. 

Kindness  may  be  pluralized;  as,  "We  thank  you  for 
your  many  kindnesses." 

Is  Received,  Has  Been  Received,  Was  Received. 

"Is  received"  denotes  present  time;  "lias  been  re- 
ceived," time  up  to  the  present;  as,  "Your  letter  is 
received"  (just  received);  "Your  letter  lias  been  re- 
ceived" (at  any  time  up  to  the  present) ;  "was  received" 
denotes  a  specific  time  in  the  past;  as,  "Your  letter  was 
received  yesterday." 

Its,  It's,  and  'Tis. 

Its,  written  without  an  apostrophe,  is  the  possessive 
form  of  it;  as,  "A  pronoun  agrees  with  its  antecedent 
in  number."  It's,  written  with  an  apostrophe,  is  a  col- 
loquial contraction  for  it  is;  as,  "It's  better  to  wear  out 
than  to  rust  out."  'Tis,  with  the  apostrophe  preceding 
t,  is  chiefly  restricted  to  poetic  uses;  as,  "  'Tis  the  glad 
Christmas  tide." 

Join  Issue  and  Take  Issue. 

In  nice  usage,  "join  issue"  means  to  admit  the  right 
of  the  denial    of  a    statement.     "Take 
merely  to  deny. 


84  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Limited. 

Limited  is  often  faultily  used  for  small,  slight,  and 
other  words  of  like  meaning;  as,  "He  had  a  limited 
(slight)  acquaintance  with  the  business;"  "The  book 
was, previously  sold  at  the  limited  (low  or  reduced)  price 
of  one  dollar ;"  "His  pecuniary  means  are  likely  to  re- 
main quite  limited."  Limited  is  admissible  when  sug- 
gesting the  reverse  of  unlimited  wealth ;  as,  *  *  His  income 
is  not  limited  to  the  extent  that  you  suppose." 

Line. 

Line,  used  in  the  sense  of  kind,  or  business,  or  again 
in  other  senses  where  specific  words  may  be  used  to  ex- 
press the  meaning,  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  best 
employment  of  the  language.  Instead  of  saying,  "In 
what  line  of  business  are  you  engaged,"  one  properly 
says,  "In  what  business  are  you  engaged,"  or  "What 
kind  of  work  are  you  doing?"  Again,  such  expressions 
as,  "He  talked  for  several  minutes  along  that  line," 
should  be  avoided.  One  should  use  specific  language ;  as, 
"He  talked  for  several  minutes  on  that  subject,"  or  "in 
connection  with  that  subject." 

Loaned  and  Lent. 

Lent  and  lend,  not  loaned  and  loan,  are  the  correct 
forms.  Loan  is  properly  used  only  as  a  noun;  thus,  "I 
lent  him  (or  I  will  lend  him)  the  money;"  "He  asked 
me  for  a  loan." 

The  expression  "Money  to  loan"  is  correct,  to  loan 
being  properly  a  noun  (verbal)  with  the  preposition  for 
understood  but  not  expressed. 

Memorandum. 

Memorandum  has  two  plurals,  memorandums  and 
memoranda. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  85 

Messrs.  Before  the  Name  of  a  Club  or  a  Corporation. 

The  title  Messrs,  being  required  only  before  firm 
names  ending  with  "&  Co.,"  should  not  be  used  in  ad- 
dresses like  the  following: 

Messrs.  Mid-Day  Club, 

Messrs.  Midland  Elevator  Co., 

Messrs.  Superior  Consolidated  Gas  Co. 

Nothing  Like. 

Nothing  like  is  incorrectly  used  in  the  sense  of  not 
nearly.  Instead  of  "This  is  nothing  like  so  good  as  the 
last  stock,"  say  "This  is  not  nearly  so  good,"  etc.  Noth- 
ing like  is  properly  used  in  such  constructions  as,  "There 
is  nothing  like  being  good." 

O.  K. 

The  origin  of  0.  K.  is  obscure,  but  it  is  said  to  have 
originated  with  Andrew  Jackson,  who  used  it  as  an 
abbreviation  of  l  i  All  Korrect. ' ' 

Usage  varies  in  the  writing  of  the  past  and  participle 
forms  of  0.  K.  Thus,  0.  K.d  or  0.  K'd.;  0.  K.ing;  or 
0.  K'ing.  Of  course,  grammatically  considered,  there 
is  really  no  past  or  perfect  tense  form  of  0.  K.,  except 
as  usage  has  established  it.  As  to  whether  0.  Kd.  and 
0.  King,  could  be  regarded  as  correct,  there  is  no  like 
abbreviation  upon  which  one  may  base  a  decision.  It 
would  seem  that  either  O.K.d  or  O.K'd.;  O.K.ing  or 
0. K'ing  would  be  correct  abbreviations. 

The  plural  forms  0.  K.s  and  0.  K's  would  likewise 
be  equally  permissible,  the  apostrophe  being  used  in 
special  instances  to  indicate  the  plural  number. 

One  or  Two  Days'  Notice. 

"We  thank  you  for  giving  us  one  or  two  days'  notice 
on  this  shipment,"  is  correct. 

Although  preceded  by  the  singular  modifier  onet  as 


86  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

well  as  by  the  plural  modifier  two,  the  noun  days  is  plural 
in  order  to  conform  to  its  plural  modifier. 

The  singular  verb  would  be  required  in  such  construc- 
tions as,  "One  or  two  days'  notice  is  all  that  I  wish," 
for  the  reason  that  notice  is  the  subject. 

Over  and  More  Than. 

Instead  of  saying,  "We  have  written  him  over  ten 
letters,"  say  "We  have  written  him  more  than  ten  let- 
ters." 
Part. 

We  say  properly: 

"An  important  part  of  the  new  plan  has  been  the 
demonstrations;"  "The  important  part  of  the  various 
plans  are/'  etc. 

The  singular  verb  has  is  required  in  the  first  sen- 
tence, for  the  reason  that  part  is  construed  as  singular, 
the  context  "of  the  new  plan"  showing  that  the  mean- 
ing is  singular ;  the  plural  verb  is  required  in  the  second 
construction  for  the  reason  that  the  context  indicates 
plurality. 

Party. 

Party  should  not  be  used  in  the  sense  of  person.  In- 
stead of  saying,  "I  know  a  party  who  will  lend  you  the 
money,"  one  properly  says,  "I  know  a  person  who  will 
lend  you  the  money." 

Party  is  properly  used  as  a  legal  term  or  to  indicate 
a  number  of  persons;  as,  for  example,  in  the  wording, 
"The  party  of  the  first  part;"  "Our  party  will  sail  next 
week." 

Per  cent. 

Per  cent,  is  singular  or  plural,  according  to  the  con- 

/  /  m  i  *•  1*1  •**• 


O —       j_ 7  CJ 

text;    as,  "Twenty  per  cent,  is  a  high  commission; 
"Twenty  per  cent,  of  the  immigrants  were  Germans. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  87 

Per  cent,  being  an  abbreviation  of  per  centum,  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  period. 

Per  Secretary  and  By  Secretary. 

One  properly  writes  "By  Secretary,"  not  Per  Sec- 
retary. 

Per  Year. 

Per  is  a  Latin  preposition,  and  is  properly  joined 
only  with  Latin  words ;  as,  per  annum,  per  diem,  not  per 
year,  or  per  day.  The  forms  per  invoice,  per  letter,  how- 
ever, have  the  sanction  of  commercial  employment.  In- 
stead of  saying,  "The  magazine  is  one  dollar  per  year, 
or  ten  cents  per  copy/9  one  properly  says,  "The  maga- 
zine is  one  dollar  a  year,  or  ten  cents  a  copy." 

The  Period  or  the  Interrogation  Point  at  the  Close  of  the  Letter. 

When  it  is  impossible  to  use  an  interrogation  point, 
as  in  the  conclusion  of  a  letter,  then  the  interrogative 
form  should  be  changed  to  the  declarative ;  thus :  instead 
of  saying,  "Will  you  kindly  be  present,  and  oblige?" 
etc.,  one  should  say,  "Kindly  be  present,  and  oblige," 
etc.,  or  "Will  you  kindly  oblige  me  by  being  present?" 
Such  constructions  as  the  following  require  revision: 
Will  you  kindly  correct  the  inclosed  article  and  re- 
turn it  at  your  earliest  convenience,  and  greatly  oblige. 

Yours  very  truly, 

JOHN  BLANK. 

It  is  impossible  to  punctuate  the  sentence  correctly, 
for  the  reason  that  an  interrogation  point  is  required; 
and,  as  it  properly  belongs  at  the  close  of  the  construc- 
tion, which  would  be  after  the  name,  John  Blank,  the 
request  must  be  re-written.  Besides,  a  rhetorical  rule 
is  violated,  in  that  too  many  ideas  are  crowded  together. 
The  construction  should  read : 


88  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Will  you  kindly  correct  the  inclosed  article  and  re- 
turn it  to  me  at  your  earliest  convenience?  If  you  will 
do  so  (or  ly  doing  so),  you  will  greatly  oblige 

Yours  very  truly, 

JOHN  BLANK. 

PLURAL  CONSTRUCTIONS. 
40  Foot  Clause  or  40  Feet  Clause. 

The  singular  form  foot  is  required  in  such  construc- 
tions; as,  "This  is  subject  to  a  40-foot  detached  risk 
clause. " 

Pair,  Dozen.* 

Some  words  have  both  a  singular  and  a  plural  form ; 
thus :  pair,  dozen.  When  preceded  by  a  numeral,  these 
words,  whether  singular  or  plural  in  meaning,  take  the 
singular  form ;  but  when  not  preceded  by  a  numeral,  they 
take  the  plural  form. 

Of  is  frequently  omitted;  thus,  "a  dozen  eggs,"  in- 
stead of  "a  dozen  of  eggs;"  "two  dozen  eggs,"  instead 
of  "two  dozen  of  eggs;"  but  not  "there  are  several 
dozen  eggs,"  instead  of  "there  are  several  dozens  of 
eggs." 

SINGULAR  IN   FORM   AND   SINGULAB   IN   MEANING. 

This  is  a  new  pair  of  gloves. 

There  is  a  dozen  of  eggs  in  the  basket. 

SINGULAE  IN  FORM  AND  PLURAL  IN  MEANING. 

There  are  two  pair  of  gloves  in  the  box. 
There  are  two  dozen  of  eggs  in  the  basket. 

PLURAL  IN   FORM   AND   MEANING. 

There  are  several  pairs  of  gloves  in  the  box. 
There  are  several  dozens  of  eggs  in  the  basket. 


*A  full  exposition  of  the  concord  of  subject  and  verb  in  special 
constructions  is  given  in  THE  CORRECT  WORD:  How  TO  USE  IT. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  89 

Plural  and  Singular  Nouns. 

The  following  nouns,  although  plural  in  form,  are 
regarded  as  singular,  and  so  are  followed  by  singular 
verbs:  amends,  news,  summons,  gallows,  politics, 
physics,  optics,  mathematics.  Summons  has  a  plural 
form,  summonses. 

The  following  nouns  may  be  used  either  in  the  sin- 
gular or  in  the  plural :  means,  odds,  pains,  wages. 

This  means  (or  these  means)  was  (or  were)  used  to 
influence  him. 

No  pains  is  (or  are)  taken  to  make  it  pleasant. 

The  odds  is  (or  are)  in  his  favor. 

The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

His  wages  are  small. 

Some  nouns  have  the  same  form  for  both  the  singular 
and  the  plural;  as,  deer,  sheep,  trout,  salmon. 

When  the  noun  is  plural  in  form  and  plural  in  mean- 
ing it  takes  a  plural  verb. 

The  following  nouns  are  plural  in  both  form  and 
meaning,  and  so  are  followed  by  plural  verbs:  alms, 
archives,  ashes,  bellows,  billiards,  bitters,  breeches,  cat- 
tle, clothes,  compasses,  contents,  goods,  manners,  matins, 
measles,  morals,  nuptials,  nippers,  pincers,  pantaloons, 
riches,  scissors,  tidings*  tongs,  tweezers,  trousers, 
shears,  scales. 

Point  of  View,  Viewpoint,  and  Standpoint. 

Point  of  view  is  regarded  as  preferable  to  viewpoint 
by  some  authorities.  As  to  standpoint,  Standard  gives 
the  following: 

"Standpoint.  Irregularly  formed— probably  in  imita- 
tion of  the  German  standpunki — and  sometimes  incon- 

* Tidings,  is  occasionally  found  in  literature  in  the  singular.  The 
present  usage,  however,  is  in  favor  of  the  plural;  as,  "These  tidings 
are  alarming." 


90  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

siderately  censured  as  being  a  superfluous  substitute  for 
point  of  view.  That  standpoint  and  point  of  view  are 
not  always  interchangeable  will  be  evident  when  the  fact 
is  recalled  that  in  literary  usage,  point  of  view  has  two 
different  senses:  (1)  the  point  from  which  one  views; 
(2)  the  point  or  relative  place  at  which  something  is 
viewed,  giving  rise  to  the  two  phrases,  'From  this  point 
of  view'  and  'In  this  point  of  view.'  Furthermore,  there 
is  in  standpoint,  as  commonly  employed,  an  implication 
of  some  permanence  of  position,  as  regards  the  view 
taken  or  the  opinion  held;  it  is  especially  applicable  to 
principle,  convictions,  etc." 

Politics. 

Politics  is  properly  followed  by  a  singular  verb. 

Post  or  Mail. 

Post  and  mail  are  interchangeably  used  in  the  word- 
ing, "Post  (or  mail)  a  letter." 

Posted. 

Although  posted  is  frequently  used  in  colloquial 
speech,  in  the  sense  of  informed,  it  is  an  undesirable  form 
of  expression.  Instead  of  saying,  "He  is  very  well 
posted  on  such  matters,"  one  properly  says,  "He  is  very 
well  informed,"  etc. 

Possessives.* 

When  two  or  more  nouns  are  used  so  that  joint  pos- 
session is  indicated,  the  sign  of  the  possessive  is  added 
to  the  last  word  only;  thus,  "A.  C.  McClurg  &  Co.'s 
Book  Store;"  "Marshall  Field  &  Co.'s  Dry  Goods 
Store." 

In  the  case  of  nouns  in  apposition,  possession  may  be 
indicated  in  various  ways;  thus,  it  is  correct  to  say,  "I 
bought  the  book  at  Thompson  the  bookseller 's,"  or  "I 

*A  full  exposition  of  double  possessives  is  given  in  THE  CORRECT 
WORD:  How  TO  USE  IT. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  91 

bought  the  book  at  Thompson's,  the  bookseller, ' '  or  "I 
bought  the  book  at  Thompson's,  the  bookseller's." 

The  question  arises  whether  one  shall  write,  "Mr. 
Blank's,  one  of  our  salesmen's,  home,"  or  "Mr.  Blank 
one  of  our  salesmen's  home,"  or  "Mr.  Blank's,  one  of 
our  salesmen,  home." 

Such  constructions  as,  "As  Mr.  Brown  one  of  our 
salesmen's  home  is  in  New  York,  we  shall  instruct  him 
to  call  on  you, ' '  are  awkward.  It  is  pref erablefto  rewrite 
the  sentence;  as,  "As  Mr.  Brown,  one  of  our  salesmen, 
lives  in  New  York,"  etc. 

Practice  and  Practise. 

The  spelling  practice  is  used  for  the  noun;  practise, 
for  the  verb;  as,  (noun)  "He  made  a  practice  of  rising 
early;"  (verb)  "He  practised  strict  economy." 

The  Simplified  Spelling  Board  recommends  the  spell- 
ing practise  for  both  noun  and  verb. 

Preferred  Attention. 

Such  expressions  as,  "Your  matters  shall  have  our 
preferred  attention,"  are  correct,  preferred  attention 
being  used  to  express  priority  in  attention. 

Previous  and  Previously. 

One  properly  says,  "I  saw  him  previously  to  my  go- 
ing," and  not  "I  saw  him  previous  to  my  going."  The 
adverb,  and  not  the  adjective,  is  required,  for  the  reason 
that  reference  is  made  to  the  action  of  the  verb,  and  not 
to  the  condition  of  the  subject. 

"I  saw  him  before  going,"  as  the  simpler  construc- 
tion, is  preferred  by  many. 

Propose. 

Instead  of  saying,  "I  don't  propose  to  be  imposed 
on,'5  one  properly  says,  "I  don't  intend  to  be  imposed 
on,"  propose  beinff  incorrectly  used  in  the  sense  of  in- 


92  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

tend.  One  may  propose  a  bill  to  a  legislative  body,  pro- 
pose  as  in  an  offer  of  marriage,  or  propose  one  as  a  mem- 
ber of  a  club. 

Proved  and  Proven. 

Proved,  not  proven,  is  the  correct  wording,  except  in 
the  Scottish  verdict  "not  proven."  Instead  of  saying, 
"This  can  be  easily  proven;"  "They  have  proven  him 
guilty, "  one  properly  says,  "This  can  be  easily  proved;" 
"They  have  proved  him  guilty." 

Century  gives  the  following:  "Prove:  pret.  proved; 
pp.,  proved, — sometimes  incorrectly  proven,  ppr.,  prov- 
ing. Again :  proven,  pp.  an  improper  form,  lately  grow- 
ing in  frequency  by  imitation  of  the  Scotch  use  in  'Not 
proven.'  " 

"Not  proven. — In  Scots  law  a  verdict  rendered  by  a 
jury  in  a  criminal  case  where  the  evidence  is  insufficient 
to  justify  a  conviction,  yet  strong  enough  to  warrant  a 
grave  suspicion  of  guilt."  In  other  words,  proved,  and 
not  proven,  conforms  to  the  literary  and  the  conversa- 
tional employment  of  the  language. 

Providing  and  Provided. 

Providing  is  incorrectly  used  in  such  constructions 
as,  "I  shall  go  East,  providing  I  can  leave  my  business," 
provided  or  provided  that  being  the  required  word. 

Received  Payment. 

The  initial  letter  of  each  word  is  capitalized  in  Re- 
ceived Payment. 

Relative  and  Relatively. 

Instead  of  saying,  "I  shall  write  (or  speak)  to  him 
relative  to  the  matter,"  one  properly  says,  "I  shall  write 
(or  speak)  to  him  relatively  to  the  matter,"  the  adverb 
being  required  to  modify  the  verb.  In  the  sentence,  "I 
have  received  your  letter  relative  to  the  matter,"  rela- 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  93 

tive  is  correct,  for  the  reason  that  the  noun  letter  is  modi- 
fied, and  hence,  the  adjective  is  correctly  employed. 
Again,  in  such  constructions  as,  "Relatively  to  your 
agreement  to  pay  twenty-five  dollars  a  month  on  your 
account,  we  respectfully  call  your  attention,"  etc.,  the 
adverb  is  required,  for  the  reason  that  the  word  modifies 
the  verb  call. 

Respecting  and  Regarding. 

Respecting  and  regarding  are  interchangeably  used 
with  each  other,  and  also  with  the  phrase  "in  (or  with) 
respect  to,"  and  "in  (or  with)  regard  to." 

Respect  to  and  Regard  to. 

Respect  to  and  regard  to  are  properly  preceded  either 
by  in  or  with;  as,  "I  have  written  to  him  in  (or  with) 
respect  (or  regard)  to  the  matter." 

Sale  on  Linens  or  Sale  of  Linens. 

Either  "A  sale  on  linens,"  or  "a  sale  of  linens"  may 
be  used.  In  the  wording,  "on  linens,"  on  is  used  to 
note  the  object  to  which  the  operation  is  directed;  "of 
linens"  is  genitive,  the  meaning  conveyed  by  the  con- 
struction being  "a  linen  sale." 

Same. 

The  use  of  same  in  the  sense  of  it;  as,  "  We  have  your 
letter  of  the  5th  inst.,  and  in  reply  to  same/'  etc.,  is  not 
in  accordance  with  the  best  business  usage.  Same  is 
properly  used  when  a  noun  is  understood  as  following 
it;  as,  "My  vocation  is  the  same  as  yours,"  vocation  be- 
ing understood  after  same.  In  brief,  same  is  properly 
used  as  an  adjective,  but  not  as  a  pronoun. 

Second  and  Secondly. 

See  First,  Second,  etc. 


94  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Shall  and  Will.* 

Eule. — Shall  in  the  first  person  and  will  in  the  sec- 
ond and  the  third,  express  simple  futurity,  or  a  condi- 
tion beyond  the  control  of  the  will.  Will  in  the  first  per- 
son and  shall  in  the  second  and  the  third,  express  prom- 
ise, willingness,  or  determination. 

I  shall  go  East  on  Friday.    (Simple  futurity.) 
I  shall  be  delighted  to  meet  her.     (Condition  beyond 
the  control  of  the  will.) 

I  shall  be  glad  to  go.    (Condition,  etc.) 
I  know  that  I  shall  like  her.    (Condition,  etc.) 
I  shall  be  obliged  to  go.    (Condition,  etc.) 
I  shall  regret  your  absence.    (Condition,  etc.) 
I  will  surely  go  without  fail.    (Promise,  etc.) 
I  will  go  for  you  if  you  wish.     (Willingness.) 
I  will  not  stir  one  step.    (Determination.) 

Should  and  Would. 

General  Bule. — Should  and  would  follow,  in  the  main, 
the  rules  of  shall  and  will,  with  some  special  uses  of  their 
own :  When  there  is  no  controlling  influence  from  with- 
out, should  in  the  first  person  and  would  in  the  second 
and  the  third  express  simple  contingent  futurity,  condi- 
tion beyond  the  control  of  the  will. 

Should  in  the  first  person  expresses  plan,  and  in  all 
three  persons,  propriety  or  subjunctive  futurity. 

Would  in  the  first  person  expresses  resolution,  and  in 
all  three  persons,  willingness  or  custom. 

Contingent  futurity  (when  there  is  no  controlling  in- 
fluence from  without).  Plan: 

If  he  were  to  invite  me,  I  should  go.  (Contingent 
futurity  and  plan.) 

*A  full  exposition  of  the  uses  of  shall  and  will,  should  and  would 
is  given  in  THE  CORRECT  WORIK  How  TO  USE  IT. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  95 

If  he  were  to  invite  you,  I  suppose  that  you  would  go. 
(Contingent  futurity.) 

If  she  were  to  invite  him,  I  suppose  that  he  would  go. 
(Contingent  futurity.) 

If  I  were  to  hear  from  her  this  afternoon,  I  should 
go.  (Contingent  futurity  and  plan.) 

I  should  call  if  I  were  you.  (Contingent  futurity  and 
plan.) 

I  should  not  hesitate  to  say  so,  if  I  were  in  your  place. 
(Contingent  futurity.) 

I  should  object  to  her  going,  if  I  were  you.  (Con- 
tingent futurity.) 

I  should  go  to  New  York  next  week,  if  I  had  the 
money.  (Contingent  futurity  and  plan.) 

If  I  were  to  eat  this,  I  should  be  ill.  (Condition  be- 
yond the  control  of  the  will.) 

If  you  were  to  eat  this  you  would  be  ill.  (Condition 
beyond  the  control  of  the  will.) 

If  he  were  to  eat  this,  he  would  be  ill.  (Condition  be- 
yond the  control  of  the  will.) 

I  should  like  to  see  you.  (Condition  beyond  the  con- 
trol of  the  will.) 

You  would  like  her  and  so  would  he.  (Condition  be- 
yond the  control  of  the  will.) 

Should  and  Ought. 

The  specific  use  of  should  is  to  express  propriety  or 
expediency,  but  it  is  often  used  in  a  stronger  sense  to 
express  duty.  Thus,  in  strict  usage,  we  should  say, 
"Children  ought  to  obey  their  parents. "  (Moral  obliga- 
tion.) "Children  should  be  seen  and  not  heard."  (Pro- 
priety.) 

I  know  that  I  should  not  do  so.    (Propriety.) 
Children  ought  to  obey  their  parents.    (Duty.) 


96  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

You  should  always  arrange  your  papers  in  that  way. 
(Propriety.) 

You  ought  not  to  treat  your  employees  so  unkindly. 
(Duty.) 

You  should  call  on  your  friends  more  frequently. 
(Propriety.) 

You  ought  to  assist  your  parents.     (Duty.) 

I  would  never  consent.    (Determination.) 

I  would  not  do  that  under  any  circumstances.  (De- 
termination.) 

I  would  not  give  him  one  cent.    (Determination.) 

When  I  was  a  child,  I  would  sit  and  dream  for  hours 
at  a  time.  (Custom.) 

I  would  do  this  for  you,  certainly.     (Willingness.) 

You  would  do  this  for  me,  I  know,  and  so  would  he. 
(Willingness.) 

If  he  should  come,  we  should  go.  (Subjunctive  fu- 
turity.) 

If  you  should  come,  I  should  go.  (Subjunctive  fu- 
turity.) 

If  I  should  do  that,  you  would  not  forgive  me.  (Sub- 
junctive futurity.) 

Should  Seem,  Would  Seem. 

Should  and  were  to  are  interchangeably  used  in  the 
subjunctive  future;  thus: 

"It  should  seem"  and  "It  would  seem"  are  often 
used  for  "It  seems,"  or  "I  think,"  as  being  more  modest 
forms  of  expression. 

It  would  seem  that  he  ought  to  go  under  the  circum- 
stances. 

It  seems  (or  I  think)  he  ought  to  go  under  the  cir- 
cumstances. 


AND  BUSINESS  ENGLISH  97 

-'It  should  seem"  conveys  a  slightly  different  mean- 
ing from  "it  would  seem."  The  former  means,  "It 
seems  that  it  should  be  so,"  while  the  latter  means 
merely  "It  seems."  The  expression  "It  would  seem" 
is  more  commonly  employed  than  is,  "It  should  seem." 
There  is  a  growing  tendency,  however,  to  use  "It  would 
seem"  when  "It  should  seem"  is  required. 

Would  Say  or  Should  Say;  Will  Say  or  Shall  Say. 

"Would  say"  expresses  contingent  willingness  or  a 
wish  to  say;  "should  say"  expresses  contingent  futurity, 
propriety,  plan;  "will  say"  expresses  willingness,  or  de- 
termination, or  promise  in  the  immediate  future  to  say ; 
"shall  say"  expresses  simple  futurity. 

Even  if  he  should  (or  were  to)  fail,  he  would  not  be- 
come discouraged. 
Society  Has. 

Use  the  singular  verb  with  society,  unless  the  in- 
dividuals represented  by  the  word  are  especially  referred 
to;  as,  "The  society  has  adjourned  for  the  summer;" 
"The  society  have  quarreled  among  themselves." 

Terms. 

Terms  is  plural  in  form,  and  is  construed  as  plural 
in  meaning ;  hence,  the  plural  verb  is  required ;  as,  "  Our 
terms  are  cash." 

Therefor  and  Therefore. 

Therefor  means  for  this  or  that;  as,  "We  wi^  sell 
the  building  and  so  much  land  as  is  needed  therefor."" 
Therefore  means  for  this  or  that  reason;  as,  "He  dis- 
obeyed our  instructions;  therefore,  we  discharged  him.7' 

» hfrty-Day  Note  or  Thirty  Days'  Note. 

In  commercial  English,  the  wording,  "a  thirty-day 
note,"  is  used  instead  of  "a  thirty  days'  note;"  just  as 


98  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

one  says,  "a  thirty-pound  note."     On  the  other  hand, 

one  says,  ' t  a  two  months '  note. ' ' 

Three  Several  Times. 

Such  expressions  as,  "We  have  written  you  three 
several  times/'  are  permissible,  several  being  used  in  the 
sense  of  different  or  various. 

To-day  or  Today;   To-night  or  Tonight;   To-morrow  or  Tomorrow. 

To-day,  to-night,  or  to-morrow  may  be  written  either 
with  or  without  the  hyphen. 

To-morrow  Is  or  To-morrow  Will  Be. 

"To-morrow  will  be  Tuesday"  is  the  correct  form. 
Compare  with  "Yesterday  was  Monday." 

Toward,  Towards. 

Toward  and  towards  are  variant  forms  and  are 
equally  correct ;  but  towards  is  more  frequently  used  than 
toward. 

Transfer,  Transferal,  Transference. 

Transfer,  transferal,  transference,  are  interchange- 
able in  meaning. 

Transpire  and  Happen. 

Instead  of  saying,  "What  has  transpired  in  my 
absence?"  one  properly  says,  "What  has  occurred  in  my 
absence?"  Transpire  properly  means  to  make  known; 
as,  "Presently  it  transpired  that  she  had  taken  all  her 
belongings  with  her." 
Traveling  Salesman. 

Traveling,  traveled,  traveler,  are  preferably  written 
with  one  I. 
Two-by-Four-lnch  Scantling. 

Combinations  like  "a  two-by-four-inch  scantling"  are 
hyphenated,  the  hyphen  being  omitted,  however,  before 
the  noun. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  99 

Two  Latter  Companies. 

"The  last  two  companies,"  not  "the  two  latter  com- 
panies," is  the  correct  form.  We  say,  "the  first  two 
months  in  the  year;"  "the  first  three  books;"  "the  last 
two  months;"  "the  last  three  books,"  etc.  While  latter 
may  be  used  of  more  than  two  things  when  it  refers  to 
that  which  is  nearer  to  the  close  or  to  the  present  time ; 
as,  "in  these  latter  days,"  it  is  applicable  to  two  persons 
or  things  only  when  used  in  the  sense  of  that  which  is 
in  order  of  existence  or  of  mention.  In  other  words, 
latter  is  opposed  to  former. 

Two  Years'  Course. 

One  properly  writes,  "A  two  years9  course"  (apos- 
trophe after  the  letter  s) ;  "A  year's  course;"  "One 
year'c  course"  (the  apostrophe  before  the  letter  s). 
Two  Weeks'  Vacation. 

One  writes,  "a  two  weeks'  vacation;"  "a  week's 
vacation;"  "one  week's  vacation." 

Under  His  Signature  or  Over  His  Signature. 

Although  criticised  by  some  authorities,  "Under  his 
signature"  is  correct,  the  meaning  being,  "under  sanc- 
tion of  his  signature." 

Very  Pleased. 

Very  cannot  directly  modify  a  verb,  and,  hence,  not 
its  past  participle.  One  properly  says,  "I  was  pleased  (or 
delighted)  to  receive  your  letter,"  or  "I  am  very  much 
pleased  (or  delighted),"  etc.,  but  not  "I  am  very  pleased 
(or  very  delighted),"  etc. 

View  to  and  View  of. 

One  properly  says,  "With  a  view  to  finding  out,"  or 
"With  the  view  of  finding  out." 

Valuable  or  Valued  Letter. 

"Valued  letter"  is  the  correct  form,  valued  being 
used  in  the  sense  of  much  esteemed  or  prized. 


100  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Whereabouts. 

Whereabouts,  meaning  location,  takes  a  singular 
verb;  as,  "His  whereabouts  is  unknown  to  us.'* 

Years  of  Experience  Have  Taught  Us. 

The  plural  verb  have  is  required  in  the  wording, 
"Years  of  experience  have  taught  us,"  etc. 

You  Are  One  of  Those   Who  Always   Disagrees    (or   Disagree)    with 
Others. 

Disagree  is  the  correct  form,  the  antecedent  of  who 
being  the  plural  pronoun  those. 

Eule. — The  verb  that  has  for  its  subject  a  relative 
pronoun  is  singular  or  plural,  according  as  the  ante- 
cedent of  the  relative  pronoun  is  singular  or  Dlural. 


ABBREVIATIONS. 

Complete  Alphabetic  List. 

A. 

A. — Academician,  Academy,  America,  American, 
Augustus,  Aulus. 

A.  A.  G. — Assistant  Adjutant-general. 

A.  A.  A.  G. — Acting  Assistant  Adjutant-general. 

A.  A.  Q.  M. — Acting  Assistant  Quartermaster. 

A.  A.  Q.  M.  G. — Acting  Assistant  Quartermaster-gen- 
eral. 

A.  A.  S. — Academiae  Americanae  Socius  (Fellow  of 
the  American  Academy),  American  Academy  of  Sciences 
and  Arts. 

A.  A.  S.  S. — Americanae  Antiquarianae  Societatis 
Socius  (Fellow  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society). 

A.  B. — Artium  Baccalureus  (Bachelor  of  Arts), 
More  commonly  written  B.  A. 

Abb. — Abbess,  abbey,  abbot. 

abbr.,  abbrev. — Abbreviated,  abbreviation. 

Note. — The  name  of  a  city  should  never  be  abbrevi- 
ated; thus:  New  York  City,  not  N.  Y.  City;  Sacramento, 
not  Sacra.;  Cincinnati  f  not  Cin. 

Philadelphia  is  sometimes  abbreviated  Phila.,  but  it 
is  preferable  to  write  it  in  full. 

These  instructions  apply  to  all  parts  of  a  letter. 

The  name  of  the  state  is  usually  abbreviated  in  the 
heading,  in  the  introduction,  and  in  the  superscription; 
also  in  the  body  of  the  letter,  except  when  unaccompanied 
with  the  name  of  the  city,  when  it  is  more  properly  writ- 
ten in  full.  (See  pp.  165,  166.) 


102  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

A.  B.  C.  F.  M.,  or  A.  B.  F.  M.— American  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions. 

A.  B.  H.  M.  S. — American  Baptist  Home  Mission  So- 
ciety. 

A.  B.  I.  S.  W. — Associated  Brotherhood  of  Iron  and 
Steel  Workers. 

A.  B.  M.  U. — American  Baptist  Missionary  Union. 

Abp. — Archbishop. 

A.  B.  P.  S. — American  Baptist  Publication  Society. 

abr. — Abridged,  Abridgement. 

A.  B.  S. — American  Bible  Society. 

abs.  re. — Absente  reo  (defendant  being  absent). 

abst.,  abstr. — Abstract. 

A.  C. — Ante  Christum  (before  Christ),  Arch-chan- 
cellor, Army  Corps. 

A.  C.  A. — American  Congregational  Association. 

ace.  or  acct. — Account,  accountant. 

A.  C.  G-.  S. — Acting  Commissary  General  of  Subsist- 
ence. 

A.  C.  S. — Acting  Commissary  of  Subsistence,  Ameri- 
can Colonization  Society. 

A.  C.  U. — American  Congregational  Union. 

A.  D. — Anno  Domini  (in  the  year  of  our  Lord).  Arch- 
duke. 

a.  d. — After  date,  ante  diem  (before  the  day). 

ad.,  adv.  or  advt. — Advertisement. 

adv. — Adverb,  adverbial,  adverbially. 

adv.,  adverb. — Adverbial,  adversus  (against;  op- 
posite) ;  adverbially. 

adv.,  ad  val. — Ad  valorem  (according  to  the  value). 

adag.,  adgo. — Adagio. 

A.  D.  B. — Bachelor  of  Domestic  Arts.  (Course  for 
women.) 

A.  D.  C. — Aide-de-camp. 

ad  fin. — Ad  finem  (at  the  end,  to  the  end.) 

ad  inf. — Ad  infinitum  (to  infinity). 

ad  init. — Ad  initium  (at  the  beginning). 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  103 

ad.  int. — Ad.  interim  (in  the  meantime). 

adj.  or  adject. — Adjectival,  adjective. 

Adj.  or  Adjt. — Adjutant. 

Adjt.  Gen.  or  A.  G. — Adjutant-general. 

ad  lib. — Ad  libitum  (at  pleasure). 

ad  loc. — Ad  locum  (at  the  place). 

Adm. — Admiral,  admiralty. 

adm.  or  admr. — Administrator. 

adm.,  admrx.,  or  admx. — Administratrix. 

ads. — Ad  sectam  (at  the  suit),  advertisements. 

A.-F.  or  A.-Fr. — Anglo-French. 

A.  F.  A.  M.  or  A.  F.  &  A.  M.— Ancient  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Masons. 

A.  F.  B.  S.  or  A.  &  F.  B.  S. — American  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society. 

A.  F.  C.  TJ. — American  and  Foreign  Christian  Union. 

A.-Fr. — Anglo-French. 

A.  G. — Accountant-general,  Adjutant-general. 

agr.,  agri.,  agric.,  or  agricult. — Agricultural,  agricul- 
ture. 

A.  G.  S.  S. — American  Geographical  and  Statistical 
Society. 

Agt. — Agent. 

A.  H.  E.  S. — American  Humane  Educational  Society. 

A.  H.  M.  S. — American  Home  Missionary  Society. 

A.  I.  G. — Assistant  Inspector-general, 

A.  I.  M.  E. — American  Institute  of  Mining  Engineers. 

A.  K.  C. — Associate  of  King's  College,  London. 

Al.  or  Alb.— Albert. 

al.,  alia,  alii — Other  things;  other  persons.. 

Ala. — Alabama. 

Alas. — Alaska. 

Aid. — Alderman. 

Alex. — Alexander. 

Alf.— Alfred. 

Alg. — Algiers. 

alg. — Algebra. 


104  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Alum. — Alumni. 

A.  M. — Anno  Mundi  (in  the  year  of  the  world),  ante 
meridian  (before  noon),  Ave  Maria  (Hail  Mary). 

A.  M.,  M.  A. — Artium  magister  (Master  of  Arts). 

A.,  Am.,  Amer. — America,  American. 

A.  M.  A. — American  Missionary  Association. 

Amb. — Ambassador. 

A.  M.  G. — Assistant  Major-general. 

amt. — Amount. 

A.-N. — Anglo-Norman. 

anat. — Anatomical,  anatomist,  anatomy. 

anc. — Ancient. 

And. — Andrew. 

Angl. — Anglican. 

Anon. — Anonymous. 

Ans. — Answer. 

A.  N.  S.  S. — Associate  of  the  Normal  School  of 
Science. 

Anth. — Anthony. 

Anthrop. — Anthropological,  anthropology. 

Antiq. — Antiquarian,  antiquities,  antiquity. 

A.  0.  F. — Ancient  Order  of  Foresters. 

A.  0.  H. — Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians. 

A.  0.  U.  W. — Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen. 

Ap.,  Apl.,  Apr. — April.* 

A.  P.  A. — American  Protestant  Association. 

A  pri. — A  priori  (beforehand). 

A.  P.  S. — American  Peace  Society,  American  Protest- 
ant Society,  Associate  of  the  Pharmaceutical  Society. 

A.  Q.  M. — Assistant  Quartermaster. 

A.  Q.  M.  G. — Assistant  Quartermaster-general. 

Ar. — Arab. 

Ar.,  Arab. — Arabia,  Arabian,  Arabic. 

A.  E.  A. — Associate  of  the  Eoyal  Academy. 

Arch. — Archibald. 

Archd. — Archdeacon,  Archduke. 

*April  is  preferably  written  in  full. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  105 

Arg.  Eep. — Argentine  Republic. 

A.  E.  H.  A. — Associate  of  the  Eoyal  Hibernian 
Academy. 

ArL,  Ariz,  (official). — Arizona. 

arith. — Arithmetic,  arithmetical. 

Ark. — Arkansas. 

Arm. — Armoric. 

Arm.  or  Armen. — Armenian. 

A.  E.  P. — Associate  Eeformed  Presbyterian. 

A.  E.  E. — Anno  Regni  Regis  (or  Reginae),  in  the  year 
of  the  king's  (or  queen's)  reign. 

A.  E.  S.  A. — Associate  of  the  Eoyal  Society  of  Arts. 

A.  E.  S.  L. — Associate  of  the  Eoyal  Society  of  Liter- 
ature. 

A.  E.  S.  M. — Associate  of  the  Eoyal  School  of  Mines. 

A.  E.  S.  S. — Antiquariorum  Regiae  Societatis  Socius 
(Fellow  of  the  Eoyal  Society  of  Antiquaries). 

art. — Article,  artillery. 

A.  E.  U. — American  Eailway  Union. 

A.  S. — Academy  of  Science;  Assistant  Secretary. 

A.  S.,  Ang.-Sax. — Anglo-Saxon. 

A.  S.  C.  E. — American  Society  of  Civil  Engineers. 

A.  S.  M.  E. — American  Society  of  Mechanical  Engi- 
neers. 

A.  S.  P. — Astronomical  Society  of  the  Pacific. 

A.  S.  P.  C.  A. — American  Society  for  the  Prevention 
of  Cruelty  to  Animals. 

Ass.,  Assn.,  Asso.,  Assoc. — Association. 

Asst.,  Assist. — Assistant. 

A.  S.  S.  U. — American  Sunday-School  Union. 

Assyr. — Assyrian. 

astr.,  astron. — Astronomer. 

A.  T. — Arch-treasurer. 

a  t. — A  tempo  (in  time). 

At.,  Atty. — Attorney. 

Atl. — Atlantic. 


106  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

A.  T.  S. — American  Temperance  Society,  American 
Tract  Society. 

Atty.-Gen. — Attorney-general. 

Ans.,  Aust.,  Austr. — Austria,  Austrian. 

Austral. — Australasia,  Australia. 

auth. — Author. 

auth. — Authority ;  authorized. 

Auth.  Ver.,  A.  V. — Authorized  version. 

Aux.  or  Auxil. — Auxiliary. 

Av.,  Ave. — Avenue. 

av.,  avdp.,  avoir. — Avoirdupois. 

A.  Y.  M. — Ancient  York  Mason  (or  Masonry). 


B. 

B.  A.— Bachelor  of  Arts.    See  A.  B. 

B.  A. — British  America,  British  Association  (for  the 
Advancement  of  Science). 

B.  Acct. — Bachelor  of  Account.  Course  (usually  less 
than  a  year)  in  the  business  department  of  some  col- 
leges. 

B. •.  A.'.,  B. •.  B. •. — (Freemasonry)  Buisson  Ardent, 
(Burning  Bush). 

B.  Agr.,  Agr.  B.,  B.  Ag.,  B.  A.  S.,  B.  S.  A.— Bachelor 
of  Agriculture.  (Four  years'  course.) 

B.  Ar. — Bachelor  of  Architecture.  (Four  years' 
course.) 

Bah. — Bahamas. 

bal. — Balance. 

Bait,  or  Balto. — Baltimore. 

B.  &  F.  B.  S.— British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 

Bap.  or  Bapt. — Baptist. 

bap.  or  bapt. — Baptized. 

Bar. — Barrister. 

bar. — Barley  corn,  barometer. 

bar.,  bbl.,  bL,  or  brl. — Barrel. 

bbls.,  bis.,  brls. — Barrels. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  107 

Barb. — Barbadoes. 

Bart.,  Bt.— Baronet. 

B.  A.  S. — Bachelor  of  Applied  Science.  Course  in 
civil,  mechanical,  or  mining  engineering,  or  practical 
chemistry. 

B.  A.  S.— See  B.  Agr. 

bas. — Basso. 

bat.,  batt. — Battalion,  battery. 

Bav. — Bavaria,  Bavarian. 

B.  B.— Bill  book. 

B.  B.  C.— Baseball  Club. 

B.  B.  S. — Bachelor  of  Business  Science.  (Two  years' 
college  course,  and  two  years'  business  course.) 

B.  C.— Before  Christ,  Board  of  Control,  British 
Columbia. 

B.  C. — Bachelor  of  Chemistry.  (Four  years'  course.) 
Bachelor  of  Commerce.  (Commercial  department  of 
some  colleges.) 

B.  C.,  B.  S.,  C.  B.,  Chir.  B.— Bachelor  of  Surgery 
(Chirurgiae) .  At  the  end  of  third  year  of  four  years' 
course  for  M.  D. 

B.  C.  E. — Bachelor  of  Civil  Engineering.  (Four 
years'  course.) 

B.  C.  L.— Bachelor  of  Civil  Law.  See  B.  L.  and 
LL.  B. 

B.  C.  S. — Bachelor  of  Chemical  Science.  (Four  years' 
course.) 

B.  C.  S. — Bachelor  of  Commercial  Science. 

B.  D. — Bachelor  of  Divinity.  (Three  years'  course 
in  theology.) 

bdl.,  bdls.,  bl.— Bundle. 

bds. — Boards. 

B.  E. — Bachelor  of  Elements.  (Two  years'  normal- 
school  course.) 

B.  E. — Bachelor  of  Engineering. 

b.  e. — Bill  of  exchange. 


108  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

B.  E.  D. — Bachelor  of  Elementary  Didactics.  (Three 
years'  normal  course.) 

B.  E.  L.— Bachelor  of  English  Literature.  (See  B. 
Lit.) 

Bel.  or  Belg. — Belgian,  Belgic,  Belgium. 

Ben.  or  Benj. — Benjamin. 

bet. — Between. 

B.  F.  A. — Bachelor  of  Fine  Arts.  (Four  years' 
course  in  fine  arts.) 

b.  f.,  b.  fir.— Beer-firkin. 

B.  Hy. — Bachelor  in  Hygiene.  For  registered  medi- 
cal practitioner.  (One  year's  study  and  examination.) 

B.  in  Agr. — Same  as  B.  Agr. 

B.  I.— British  India. 

Bib.— Bible,  Biblical. 

bibliog. — Bibliographer,  bibliographic,  bibliograph- 
ical, bibliography. 

biog. — Biographer,  biographic,  biographical,  biog- 
raphy. 

biol. — Biologic,  biological,  biology. 

bk. — Bank,  bark,  book. 

bkg. — B  anking. 

bkt.  (BKTS.,  pi.) — Basket. 

b.  1.— Bill  of  lading. 

bldg.,  build.  (BLDGS.,  pi.) — Building. 

B.  L.  Same  as  LL.  B.— Bachelor  of  Laws.  (See  LL. 
B.  and  B.  C.  L.) 

B.  L.  Same  as  B.  Lit.,  or  Lit.  B. — Bachelor  of  Litera- 
ture. (Four  years'  course  in  English  Literature  and 
allied  branches.) 

B.  L.  A.— Bachelor  of  Liberal  Arts,  essentially  the 
same  as  B.  A. 

B.  L.  E.— Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers. 

B.  Lit.— Bachelor  of  Literature.  (See  B.  L.,  Lit.  B., 
or  Litt.  B.) 

B.  LL.— Bachelor  of  Laws.    (See  LL.  B.) 

B.  L.  S.— Bachelor  of  Literary  Science.     (For  col- 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  109 

lege  graduates  or  students  of  two  years'  standing.  Two 
years'  course,  examination,  thesis,  and  bibliography.) 

B.  M. — Beatae  memoriae  (of  blessed  memory) ;  bene 
merenti  (to  the  well-deserving) ;  board  measure. 

B.  M. — Bachelor  of  Medicine.  (Conferred  by  some 
medical  institutions  on  the  completion  of  a  required 
course.) 

B.  M.,  B.  Mus. — Bachelor  of  Music.  (Four  years' 
course.) 

B.  M.,  Brit.  Mus. — British  Museum. 

B.  M.  E. — Bachelor  of  Mechanical  Engineering. 
(Four  years'  course.) 

bn. — Battalion. 

B.  0. — Bachelor  of  Oratory. 

b.  o. — Branch  office,  buyer's  option. 

Boh.  or  Bohem. — Bohemia,  Bohemian. 

B.  0.  L. — Bachelor  of  Oriental  Literature.  (Banks 
with  B.  Lit.) 

Bol. — Bolivia. 

B.  P.— Bachelor  of  Painting.    (Four  years'  course.) 

B.  Ph.— Bachelor  of  Philosophy.  (Four  years' 
course,  largely  scientific  in  some  institutions,  but  in 
others  the  same  as  the  course  for  B.  A.,  except  that  the 
modern  languages  are  substituted  for  Greek.) 

bor. — Borough. 

bot. — Botanical,  botanist,  botany,  bought. 

B.  0.  TL— British  Ornithologists'  Union. 

boul. — Boulevard. 

b.  p.— Bill  of  parcels,  bills  payable,  bonum  publicum 
(the  public  good). 

Bp. — Bishop. 

b.  p.  b. — Bank  post-bills. 

B.  P.  0.  Elks.— Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of 
Elks. 

b.  q. — Bene  quiescat  (may  he  [or  she]  repose  well). 

bque. — Barque. 


110  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

B.  E. — Bancus  Regis  or  Reginae  (The  King's  [or 
Queen's]  Bench). 

Br. — Breton,  bromine. 

Br.,  Brit.— British. 

br. — Brig. 

Br.  Am. — British  America. 

Braz. — Brazil,  Brazilian. 

b.  rec. — Bills  receivable. 

Bret. — Breton. 

brev. — Brevet,  brevetted. 

Brig. — Brigade,  brigadier. 

Brit. — Britannic,  Britannica. 

Brt. — Britannicus  (British). 

b.  s. — Bill  of  sale. 

B.  S. — Bachelor  of  Surgery.  (For  Bachelors  of 
Medicine  who  attend  a  course  of  instruction  and  pass  a 
written  and  a  practical  examination  in  surgery.) 

B.  S.,  B.  Sc.,  B.  N.  S.— Bachelor  of  Science.  (Four 
years '  college  course  in  which  the  natural  sciences  largely 
take  the  place  of  Latin  and  Greek.) 

B.  S.  A. — Bachelor  of  Scientific  Agriculture.  (See 
B.  Agr.) 

B.  S.  D. — Bachelor  of  Scientific  Didactics.  (Four 
years'  normal-course.) 

B.  S.  L. — Botanical  Society,  London. 

Bt. — Baronet. 

bu.,  bush. — Bushel. 

bu.,  bush.,  bus. — Bushels. 

bul.— Bulletin. 

Bulg. — Bulgaria,  Bulgarian. 

burg. — Burgess,  burgomaster. 

burl. — Burlesque. 

but. — Butter. 

B.  Y. — Beata  Virgo  (Blessed  Virgin),  Bene  vale 
(farewell). 

B.  V.  M. — Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  111 

B.  W.  T.  A. — British  Women's  Temperance  Associa- 
tion. 

bx.  (BXS.,  pi.) — Box. 

C. 

C. — Cassar,  Caius,  carbon,  chancery,  Charlotte. 

C.,  Oath.— Catholic. 

C.,  Chas. — Charles. 

C.,  Chf.— Chief. 

C.,  Ch.— Church. 

C.,  Chan.,  Chanc. — Chancellor. 

C.,  Con.,  Cs. — Consul. 

C.,  Cong. — Congress. 

C.,  Ct.— Court. 

C.  (Naut.  log-book) — Cloudy. 
C.,  cent.,  ct.  (GTS.,  pi.) — Centum, 
c.,  ch.,  chap. — Chapter. 

C.  A. — Chartered  accountant,  chief  accountant,  com- 
mercial agent,  Confederate  Army,  controller  of  accounts. 

Cal.  (official),  Calif.— California. 

Cal. — Calcium,  calendar,  calomel. 

Cam.,  Carnb. — Cambridge. 

Can. — Canada. 

Cap.,  Capt. — Captain. 

cap. — Capiat  (let  him  or  her  take),  capital,  capital 
letter,  capitalum  (head,  section),  caput  (chapter). 
APS. — Capitals. 

car. — Carat. 

Card. — Cardinal. 

ca.  resp. — Capias  ad  respondendum.  (A  writ  issued 
at  the  beginning  of  a  suit  to  take  and  bring  the  defendant 
before  the  court  to  answer.) 

carp. — Carpentry. 

Carth. — Carthaginian. 

C.  A.  S. — Connecticutensis  Academiae  Socius  (Fel- 
low of  the  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences). 


112  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

co.  sa. — Capias  ad  satis  faciendum.  (A  writ  issued — 
judgment  to  take  and  hold  the  person  named  for  satis- 
faction of  judgment.) 

Cash. — Cashier. 

Cat. — Catechism. 

cat.,  catal. — Catalogue. 

Cath. — Catherine,  Cathedral. 

caus. — Causative. 

Cav. — Cavalry. 

C.  B. — Cape  Breton,  Chief  Baron,  Common  Bench, 
Companion  of  the  Bath. 

C.  B. — Bachelor  of  Surgery  (Chirurgiae) .  (See  B.  C.) 

C.  B.  S. — Confraternity  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

C.  C. — Caius  College,  Circuit  Court,  Civil  Court,  Con- 
sular Clerk,  County  Clerk,  County  Commissioner,  County 
Court,  Cricket  Club,  Crown  Clerk. 

C.  •.  C.».   (Freemasonry)  Celestial  Canopy. 

c.  c. — Chapters. 

c.  c. — Compte  courante  (account  current),  cubic  cen- 
timeter. 

C.  C.  A.— Chief  Clerk  of  the  Admiralty. 

C.  C.  C. — Christ's  College,  Cambridge;  Corpus 
Christi  College. 

C.  C.  P. — Code  of  Civil  Procedure,  Court  of  Common 
Pleas. 

C.  Cr.  P. — Code  of  Criminal  Procedure. 

C.  D.  S.  0. — Companion  of  the  Distinguished  Service 
Order. 

c.  d.  v. — Carte  de  visite. 

C.  E. — Civil  Engineer  (four  years*  course). 

eel. — Celebrated. 

Celt—Celtic. 

cen.,  cent. — Central,  century. 

Cen.  Am. — Central  America. 

ceram. — Ceramics. 

cert.,  certif. — Certificate,  certify. 

C.  F.  I. — Cost,  freight,  insurance. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  113 

C.  G. — Captain-general,  Captain  of  the  Guard,  Coast 
Guard,  Commissary-general,  Consul-general. 

C.  G.  H.,  C.  of  G.  H.— Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

C.  G.  S. — Commissary  General  of  Subsistence. 

C.  H. — Captain  of  the  Host,  Court  House,  Custom 
House. 

Ch.,  Chin. — China,  Chinese. 

ch.,  chal.,  chald. — Chaldron. 

ch. — Child,  children. 

Chal.,  Chald.— Chaldaic,  Chaldean,  Chaldee. 

Chamb. — Chamberlain. 

Chap. — Chaplain. 

Ch.  C.,  Ch.  Ch.— Christ  Church. 

Ch.  Clk.— Chief  Clerk. 

Ch.  D. — Doctor  of  Chemistry. 

Chem. — Chemical,  chemist,  chemistry. 

Ch.  hist. — Church  history. 

Chir.  Doct.— Doctor  of  Surgery  (Chirurgiae)? 

Ch.  J.,  C.  J.— Chief  Justice. 

ck.,  csk.  (CKS.,  CSKS.,  pi.) — Cask. 

Cl.,  clerg. — Clergyman. 

cl.— Cloth. 

cl.,  elk. — Clerk. 

class. — Classic,  classical,  classification. 

eld. — Cleared. 

C.  L.  P.  A. — Common  Law  Procedure  Act. 

C.  L.  S.  C. — Chautauqua  Literary  and  Scientific 
Circle. 

C.  M. — Caius  Marim,  Certificated  Master,  common 
meter,  Corresponding  Member. 

c.  m. — Causa  mortis  (by  reason  of  death). 

C.  M.,  M.  S. — Master  of  Surgery  (Chirurgiae) . 

C.  M.  D. — Common  meter  double. 

C.  M.  G. — Companion  of  the  Order  of  St.  Michael  and 
St.  George. 

cml. — Commercial. 

cml.,  com. — Commercial. 


114  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

C.  M.  S. — Church  Missionary  Society. 

C.  M.  Z.  S. — Corresponding  Member  of  the  Zoological 
Society. 

C.  O. — Colonial  Office,  Commanding  Officer,  Criminal 
Office,  Crown  Office. 

c.  o. — Care  of. 

Co. — Cobalt,  Company,  County. 

Coad. — Coadjutor. 

C.  0.  D. — Cash  (or  collect)  on  delivery. 

cog. — Cognate,  cognate  with. 

Col.— Colonel. 

Col.,  Colo,  (official) — Colorado. 

col. — Collegiate,  colonial,  color,  colored,  column. 

col.,  Coll. — College. 

col.,  coll.,  colloq. — Colloquial,  colloquialism,  col- 
loquially. 

Col.-Corp. — Color-corporal. 

Coll.— Collector. 

coll. — Colleague,  collection,  Colleg  (colleague). 

Col.-Serg. — Color-sergeant. 

Com. — Commander,  Commission,  Committee,  Com- 
modore, Commoner,  Commonwealth. 

Com.,  Comr. — Commissioner. 

com. — Comedy,  comic,  commercial,  common,  com- 
monly, commune,  communicated,  communication,  com- 
munity. 

Com.,  comm. — Commentary. 

com.,  comm. — Commerce. 

comb. — Combined,  combining. 

comdg. — Commanding. 

Comdt. — Commandant. 

commentt. — Commentators. 

com.  off. — Commissioned  officer. 

comp. — Compare,  compiled,  compiler,  composer,  com- 
positor, compound,  compounded. 

comp.,  compar. — Comparative,  comparison. 

comp.,  compo. — Composition,  compost. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  115 

Complt. — Complainant. 

Com.-Sergt. — Commissary-sergeant. 

Com.  Ver.,  C.  V. — Common  Version  (of  the  Bible). 

con. — Conclusion,  conjux  (consort),  contra  (against, 
in  opposition  to),  conversation. 

con.  cr. — Contra  credit. 

Conf. — Conference. 

Cong. — Congregation,  Congregational,  Congregation- 
alist,  Congressional. 

Cong.  Eec. — Congressional  Eecord. 

conj. — Conjugation,  conjunction,  conjunctive. 

Conn,  (official),  Ct. — Connecticut. 

con.  sect. — Conic  section. 

Cons.,  Consol. — Consolidated. 

Cons.,  Const. — Constable,  constitution. 

cons. — Consonant. 

Const. — Constantine,  constitutional. 

constr. — Construction,  construed. 

Cont.,  Contr. — Contracts. 

Cont. — Continent,  continental. 

cont.,  contr. — Contracted,  contraction. 

cont. — Containing,  contents,  continued. 

Contr. — Contracts. 

contr. — Contrary. 

Conv. — Convent,  convention,  conversation. 

Cop.,  Copt. — Coptic. 

Cop. — Copernican. 

cop.— Copper. 

Cor. — Corinthians,  Cornelia,  Cornelius,  coroner. 

cor. — Corner,  cornet,  corpus,  correction,  correlative, 
correspondent. 

cor.,  corresp. — Correspondence,  corresponding. 

cor.,  corr.,  corrup. — Corrupted,  corruption. 

Cor.  Mem. — Corresponding  member. 

Corn. — Cornish,  Cornwall. 

corol.,  coroll. — Corollary. 

Cors. — Corsica. 


116  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Cor.  Sec. — Corresponding  Secretary. 

C.  0.  S. — Charity  Organization  Society. 

C.  P. — Chief  Patriarch,  civil  power,  Clerk  of  the 
Peace,  Code  of  Procedure,  Common  Pleas,  Court  of  Pro- 
bate. 

C.  P.  C.— Clerk  of  the  Privy  Council. 

C.  P.  M. — Common  particular  meter. 

C.  P.  S. — Congregational  Publishing  Society. 

C.  E.— Carrier's  Eisk. 

cr. — Credit,  creditor,  crown. 

cres. — Crescendo. 

crim. — Criminal. 

crit. — Critical,  criticized. 

cs. — Cases,  communis  (common). 

C.  S. — Civil  service,  Clerk  of  Session,  Clerk  to  the 
Signet,  Commissary  of  Subsistence,  Court  of  Sessions. 

C.  S.  A. — Confederate  States  Army,  Confederate 
States  of  America. 

C.  S.  N.— Confederate  States  Navy. 

C.  S.  0.— Chief  Signal  Officer. 

C.  T.— Certificated  Teacher. 

C.  T.  A.  U.— Catholic  Total  Abstinence  Union. 

cu.,  cub. — Cubic. 

cur. — Currency. 

cur.,  curt. — Current. 

c.  w.  o. — Cash  with  order. 

cwt. — Hundredweight  or  hundred  weights,  (Centum- 
weight.) 

eye.,  cyclo. — Cyclopedia,  cyclopedic. 

Cym.— Cymric. 

D. 

D.,  Dem. — Democrat,  Democratic. 

D.,  Dep.,  Dept. — Deputy. 

D. — Deserter,  Deus  (God),  Dominus  (Lord). 

D.,  Dub.,  Dubl.— Dublin. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  117 

D. — Decimus,  Deems,  deserter,  Deus  (God),  Dominus 
(Lord),  dowager,  duchess,  duke,  dux  (duke,  leader,  or 
prince). 

D.,  Dav.— David. 

D.,  Dem. — Democrat,  Democratic 

D.,  Dep.,  Dept. — Deputy. 

D.,  Dub.,  Dubl.— Dublin. 

D.,  Du.,  Dut.— Dutch. 

d. — Da  (give),  day,  dead,  decretum  (decree),  died, 
dime,  (Naut.  log-book)  drizzling  rain. 

d.,  dau. — Daughter. 

d.,  deg. — Degree. 

d.,  dot.,  doll.    (DOLS.  DOLLS.,  pi.) — Dollar. 

Dak. — Dakota  (official). 

Dan. — Daniel,  Danish. 

d  &  wtf.,  dwtf. — Daily  and  weekly  till  forbidden. 

dat. — Dative. 

D.  B. — Bachelor  of  Didactics.  (Two  years'  post- 
graduate normal  course.)  Domesday  Book. 

dbk. — Drawback. 

D.  C. — Da  capo  (from  the  beginning),  Deputy  Coun- 
sel, District  Court,  District  of  Columbia,  Divus  Caesar 
(the  divine  Caesar). 

D.  C.  L. — Doctor  of  Civil  Law.  (Banking  nearly  with 
LL.  D.) 

D.  Can  L. — Doctor  of  Canon  Law. 

D.  C.  S.— Deputy  Clerk  of  Sessions. 

D.  D. — Doctor  of  Divinity.     (Honorary.) 

d.  d. — Days  after  date,  days'  date,  dono  dedit  (pre- 
sented as  a  gift). 

D.  D.  D. — Dat,  dicat,  dedicat  (he  gives,  devotes,  and 
dedicates),  dono  dedit  dedicavit  (he  gave  and  consecrated 
as  a  gift). 

D.  D.  S. — Doctor  of  Dental  Surgery.  (Three  years' 
course.) 

D.  E. — Dynamical  Engineer.  (Two  years'  graduate 
course.) 


118  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Dea. — Deacon. 

Dec. — Decani,  December. 

dec. — Declaration,  decoration. 

dec.,  decl. — Declension,  declination. 

decim.,  dm. — Decimeter. 

decoct. — Decoctum  (decoction). 

def. — Defined,  definitive,  definition. 

def.,  deft.,  dft.— Defendant. 

D.  Hy. — Doctor  in  Hygiene.  (Two  years'  practice  as 
medical  officer  of  health.) 

dekam. — Dekameter. 

Del. — Delaware  (official),  delegate. 

del. — Delineavit  (he  [or  she]  drew). 

demon.,  demonstr. — Demonstrative. 

Den. — Denmark. 

Dent. — Dental,  dentist,  dentistry, 

Dep.,  Dept.,  Dpt. — Department,  deponent. 

dep. — Deposed. 

der.,  deriv. — Derivation,  derivative,  derived. 

det. — Detur  (let  it  be  given). 

Dent. — Deuteronomy. 

D.  F.— Dean  of  the  Faculty,  Defender  of  the  Faith. 

dft.— Draft. 

D.  G. — Dei  gratia  (by  the  grace  of  God),  Deo  gratias 
(thanks  to  God),  Dragoon  Guards. 

D.  H.— Deadhead. 

dial.— Dialect,  dialectic,  dialectical. 

diam. — Diameter. 

Diet. — Dictator,  dictionary. 

diff. — Difference,  different,  differs. 

dim. — Diminuendo,  diminutive. 

dio.,  dioc. — Diocesan,  diocese. 

dipl. — Diplomat,  diplomatist. 

dis. — Discipline,  distanced. 

dis.,  disc.,  disct. — Discount. 

dis.,  dist. — Distance,  distant. 

disc. — Discovered,  discoverer. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  119 

Disp. — Dispensatory. 

diss. — Dissertation. 

dist. — District. 

dist.,  disting. — Distinguish,  distinguished. 

distr.,  distrib. — Distributed,  distributive. 

div. — Divide,  divided,  dividend,  divine,  division, 
divisor. 

D.  L. — Doctor  of  Law  (nearly  same  as  D.  C.  L.),  Dep- 
uty Lieutenant. 

D.  L.  or  D.  Lit. — Doctor  of  Literature  or  Letters. 

D.  L.  0.— Dead  Letter  Office. 

D.  L.  S. — Doctor  of  Library  Science. 

D.  M. — Same  as  M.  D.  and  D.  Mus. 

D.  M. — Doctor  of  Mathematics. 

D.  M.  D.— Doctor  of  Dental  Medicine.    (See  D.  D.  S.) 

D.  Mus. — Doctor  of  Music.  (Four  years'  graduate 
course.) 

D.  N.  P.  P.—Dominus  nosier  Papa  Pontitex  (Our 
Lord  the  Pope). 

do.— Ditto. 

E. 

eq.,  equiv. — Equivalent, 
erm. — Ermine. 

E.  S.— Ells  Scotch. 
Esd. — Esdras. 

E.  S.  E. — East-southeast, 
esp.,  espec. — Especially. 
Esq.,  Esqr.  (ESQES.,  ESQS.,  pi.) — Esquire, 
est.,  estab. — Established. 
Esth.— Esther. 

E.  T. — Electric  telegraph,  English  translation, 
et  al. — et  alibi  (and  elsewhere),  et  alii  or  aliae  (and 
others). 

etc.,  &c. — et  cetera. 

ethnog. — Ethnographical,  ethnography. 


120  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

ethnol. — Ethnological,  ethnology. 

et  seq.,  sq.,  sqq. — et  sequentes,  et  sequentia  (and  the 
following). 

etym.,  etymol. — Etymological,  etymologically,  etymol- 
ogy. 

Eur. — Europe,  European.    • 

Evang. — Evangelical,  evangelist. 

Ex.,  Exod. — Exodus. 

ex. — Example,  excursus,  executed. 

ex.,  exc. — Except,  excepted,  exception. 

ex.,  exd. — Examined. 

ex.,  exp. — Export,  exportation,  exported,  express. 

Exc. — Excellency. 

Exch. — Exchange,  exchequer. 

excl.,  exclam. — Exclamation,  exclamatory. 

Ex.  Com.,  Exec.  Com. — Executive  Committee. 

ex.,  cp. — Extra  (without  coupon). 

ex.  div. — Extra  dividendum  (without  dividend). 

Ex.  Doc. — Executive  Document. 

Exec.,  Exe. — Executive. 

Execx.,  Exex.,  Exx. — Executrix. 

ext. — External,  externally,  extra,  extract. 

Ez.,  Ezr. — Ezra. 

Ezek. — Ezekiel. 

F 

F. — Fabius,  Felix,  Fellow,  Flourine,  Fortuna. 

F.,  Fah.,  Fahr.— Fahrenheit. 

F.,  Fl.— Flamen. 

F. — France,  French. 

F.,  Fr.,  Fri.~ Friday. 

f.— (Naut.  log-book)  fog,  forte. 

f.,  Far.— Farthing. 

f.,  fath.,  fth.,  fthm.— Fathom. 

f .,  fern. — Feminine. 

f.,  ft.— Fiat  (let  it  be  made),  foot 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  121 

f.,  fl.— Florin. 

f.,  fo.,  fol.  (FF.,  pi.)—  Folio. 

f.,  fr.    (FES.,  pi.)—  Franc. 

f .  a.  a. — Free  of  all  average. 

F.  A.  M. — Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 

fam. — Familiar,  family. 

Fl  A.  S. — Fellow  of  the  Antiquarian  Society.  Fel- 
low of  the  Society  of  Arts. 

F.  A.  S.  L. — Fellow  of  the  Anthropological  Society 
of  London. 

F.  B. — Fenian  Brotherhood,  Free  Baptist. 

F.  B.  S.— Fellow  of  the  Botanical  Society. 

F.  C. — (Freemasonry.)    Fellow-craft. 

f.  c. — Fedei  commissum  (bequeathed  in  trust). 

fcp.,  fcap. — Foolscap. 

F.  C.,  P.  S.— Fellow  of  the  Cambridge  Philosophical 
Society. 

F.  D.— (See  D.  F.) 

Fe. — Ferrum  (iron). 

F.  E.,  Fl.  E.— Flemish  ells. 

Feb. — February. 

fee. — Fecit  (did  it,  or  made  it), 

Ferd. — Ferdinand. 

feud.— Feudal. 

F.  F. — Felicissimus  fratres  (most  fortunate  broth- 
ers). 

ff. — Fecerunt  (they  did  it,  or  made  it). 

ff.,  fol.,  foil.— Following. 

ff.,  if  or.— Fortissimo. 

F.  F.  P.  S.— Fellow  of  the  Faculty  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons. 

F.  F.  V.— First  Families  of  Virginia. 

F.  G. — Fine  grain. 

f.  g.  a. — Free  of  general  average. 

fict. — Fiction. 

fi.  fa. — Fieri  facias  (that  you  cause  to  be  made:  a 
writ  of  execution). 


122  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

fig. — Figurative,  figuratively,  figure. 

Fin.— Finland. 

Fin.,  Finn. — Finnish. 

fin. — ad  finem  (at  the  end). 

Fin.  Sec. — Financial  Secretary. 

fir.— Firkin. 

Fl. — Flaminius,  Flanders,  Flavius. 

Fla.— Florida  (official). 

F.  0.— Field  Officer,  Foreign  Office,  full  organ. 

f .  o.  b. — Free  on  board. 

For. — Foreign. 

fort. — Fortification,  fortified. 

F.  P.— Fire  plug. 

f .  p.  a. — Free  of  particular  average. 

Fr. — Francis,  friar. 

fr.— From. 

fr.,  frgm.,  fragm. — Fragment,  fragmentary. 

fr.,  freq. — Frequent,  frequently. 

Fred.,  Fredk.— Frederick. 

F.  E.  G.  S.— Fellow  of  the  Eoyal  Geographical  So- 
ciety. 

Fries,  Frs. — Friesian,  Friesic. 

F.  E.  S. — Fraternitatis  Eegiae  Socius  (Fellow  of  the 
Eoyal  Society). 

Ft.— Fort. 

ft.— Feet. 

ft.,  fort.— Fortified. 

fur. — Furlong. 

fut. — Future. 

F.  W.  B.— Free  Will  Baptist. 

G. 

G. — Gaius,  Gallia,  Gellius,  grand  gulf. 

G.,  Ger.,  Germ. — German,  Germany. 

g. — Gauche  (left),  (naut.  log-book)  gloomy,  guide. 

g.,  gen.,  genit. — Genitive. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  123 

g.,  gm.,  gr.— Grain. 

g.,  gu.,  guin.   (GS.,  pi.) — Guinea. 

G.  A. — General  Assembly. 

Ga. — Gallium,  Georgia  (official). 

Ga.,  Gael. — Gaelic. 

Gal. — Galatians,  Galen. 

gal.,  gall.    (GALS.,  pi.) — Gallon. 

galv. — Galvanic,  galvanism. 

G.  A.  E. — Grand  Army  of  the  Eepublic. 

Gaz. — Gazette,  gazetter. 

G.  B.,  Gt.  Br.,  Gt.  Brit.— Great  Britain. 

G.  B.  &  I. — Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

G.  C. — Grand  Chancellor,  Grand  Chapter,  Grand 
Conductor. 

g.  c.  m. — Greatest  common  measure. 

G.  D. — Grand  Duchess,  Grand  Duke. 

G.  E. — Grand  Encampment. 

Gen. — Genesis,  Geneva,  Genevan. 

Gen.,  Genl. — General. 

gen. — Genera,  general,  generic,  genus. 

gen.,  gend. — Gender. 

geneal. — Genealogist,  genealogy. 

gent.  (GENTN.,  GENTS.,  pi.) — Gentleman. 

Geo. — George,  Georgia. 

geog. — Geographer,  geographical,  geography. 

geol. — Geological,  geologist,  geology. 

geom. — Geometer,  geometrical,  geometry. 

ger. — Gerund. 

g.  gr. — Great  gross. 

gi.— Gills. 

G.  L. — Grand  Lodge. 

gl. — Gloria  (glory). 

gloss. — Glossary. 

G.  0. — General  Order,  great  organ. 

Go.,  Goth.— Gothic. 

G.  0.  M.— -  Grand  Old  Man  (Et.  Hon.  W.  E.  Glad- 
stone). 


1*4  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

G.  0.  P.— Grand  Old  Party  (Bepublican  Party,  U.  S.). 
Gov. — Governor. 
Gov.,  govt. — Government. 
Gov.  Ptg.  Off. — Government  Printing  Office. 
G.  P. — Graduate  in  Pharmacy.    (Two  years'  course.) 
G.  P.— Gloria  Patri  (Glory  to  the  Father). 
G.  P.  M.— Grand  Past  Master. 
G.  P.  O. — General  post-office. 
Gr. — Greece,  Greek, 
gr. — Grain,  great,  groschen. 
gr.,  gram. — Grammar, 
gr.,  gro. — Gross. 

gram. — Grammatical,  grammarian. 
G.  S. — Grand  Scribe,  Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Sen- 
tinel, Grand  Sentry. 

G.  T.— Good  Templars,  Grand  Tiler. 
Guate. — Guatemala, 
gun. — Gunnery, 

H. 

H. — Hydrogen. 

h. — Harbor,  hardness,  hence,  high,  husband. 

h.,  ht.— Height. 

h.,  hr.    (HKS.,  pi.) — Hour. 

h.,  hund. — Hundred. 

Hab.— Habakkuk. 

hab. — Habitat. 

hab.  corp. — Habeas  corpus. 

Hag.— Haggai. 

H.  B.  M. — His  (or  Her)  Brittannic  Majesty. 

H.  C.  M.— His  (or  Her)  Catholic  Majesty. 

hdkf.— Handkerchief. 

H.  E. — His  Eminence,   His    Excellency,   Hydraulic 

_ineer. 

h.  e. — Hie  est  (this  is),  hoc  est  (that  is). 

Heb.,  Hebr. — Hebrew,  Hebrews. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  125 

Hen.,  Hy. — Henry. 

her. — Heraldic,  heraldy,  heres  (heirs). 

hf.— Half.    hf.  bd.— Half  bound,    hf.  cf.— Half  calf. 

H.  G. — His  Grace,  Horse  Guards. 

H.  H. — His  (or  Her)  Highness,  His  Holiness  (the 
Pope). 

hhd. — Hogshead. 

H.  I. — Hawaiian  Islands. 

hibr.,  hybr. — Hibrida,  hybrida  (hybrid). 

Hier. — Hierosolyma  (Jerusalem), 

H.  I.  H. — His  (or  Her)  Imperial  Highness. 

H.  I.  M. — His  (or  Her)  Imperial  Majesty. 

Hind. — Hindu,  Hindustan,  Hindustani. 

Hipp. — Hippocrates. 

hist. — Historian,  historical,  history. 

H.  J. — Hie  jacet  (here  lies). 

H.  J.  S. — Hie  jacet  sepultus  (here  lies  buried). 

H.  L. — House  of  Lords. 

H.  M. — Hallelujah  meter,  His  (or  Her)  Majesty, 
Home  Mission,  Home  Missionary. 

H.  M.  P. — Hoc  monumentum  posuit  (erected  at  this 
monument). 

ho. — House. 

Hon. — Honorable,  honorary. 

Hond. — Honduras. 

hon  M. — Honored. 

hor. — Horizon. 

hor.,  horol. — Horology. 

hort.,  hortic. — Horticultural,  horticulture. 

Hos. — Hosea. 

Hosp.  Segt. — Hospital  Sergeant.    ; 

Hosp.  Stew. — Hospital  Steward. 

H.  P.— Half  pay,  High  Priest. 

h.  p. — Horse  power. 

H.  E. — Home  Eule,  House  of  Eepresentatives. 

H.  E.  E. — Holy  Eoman  Emperor  or  Empire. 

H.  E.  H.— His  (or  Her)  Eoyal  Highness. 


126  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

H.  E.  I.  P. — Hie  requiescat  in  pace  (here  rests  in 
peace). 

H.  S. — Hie  situs  (here  lies). 

H.  S.  E. — Hie  sepultus  or  situs  est  (here  is  buried  or 
laid). 

H.  S.  H.— His  (or  Her)  Serene  Highness. 

h.  t. — Hoc  titulo  (in,  or  under,  this  title). 

Hun.,  Hung. — Hungarian,  Hungary. 

H.  Y.  M.  A.— Hebrew  Young  Men's  Association. 


I. — Iodine. 

I.,  Ida. — Idaho. 

I.,  Imp.—Imperator  (Emperor). 

L,  Is.,  Isl.    (IsLs.,  pi.) — Island. 

i. — Immortalis  (undying). 

i.,  intr.,  intrans. — Intransitive. 

la.,  lo. — Iowa. 

ib.,  ibid — Ibidem  (in  the  same  place). 

I.  C.,  I.  X. — lesus  Christus  (Jesus  Christ). 

Ice.,  Icel. — Iceland,  Icelandic. 

id. — Idem  (the  same). 

I.  D.  N. — In  Dei  nomine  (in  the  name  of  God). 

j.  e. — Id  est  (that  is). 

i.  h. — Jacet  hie  (lies  here). 

I.  H.  N. — In  his  name. 

I.  H.,  J.  H.  S. — lesus  or  Jesus  Hominum  Salvalor 
(Jesus  the  Savior  of  Men). 

111.,  Ills,  (official)— Illinois. 

ill.,  illus.,  illust. — Illustrated,  illustration. 

imag. — Imaginary,  imagination. 

Imp. — Imperium  ( empire) . 

Imp.,  Impx. — Imperatrix  (empress). 

imp. — Imperial,  imported,  importer,  imprimatur  (let 
it  be  printed). 

imp.,  imper. — Imperative. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  127 

imp.,  imperf.,  impf. — Imperfect. 

imp.,  impers. — Impersonal. 

in.   (INS.,  pi.) — Inch. 

inc.,  incorp.,  incor. — Incorporated, 

incept. — Inceptive. 

incl. — Including. 

incog. — Incognito. 

incr. — Increased,  increasing. 

I.  N.  D. — In  Nomine  Dei  (in  the  name  of  God). 

Ind. — India,  Indian,  Indiana  (official),  Index. 

indef. — Indefinite. 

Indo-Eur. — Indo-European. 

Ind.  T. — Indian  Territory  (official). 

inf. — Infantry. 

inf.,  infin. — Infinitive. 

in.  f. — In  fine  (at  the  end). 

init. — Initio  (in  the  beginning). 

in  lim. — In  limine  (on  the  threshold). 

in  loc.  cit. — In  loco  citato  (in  the  place  cited). 

in  pr. — In  principio  (in  the  beginning). 

I.  N.  E.  I. — lesus  (Jesus)  Nazarenus,  Rex  ludaeorum 
(Judaeorum),  (Jesus  of  Nazareth,  King  of  the  Jews). 

Ins. — Inspector. 

Ins.,  insur. — Insurance. 

inscrs. — Inscriptions. 

insep. — Inseparable. 

Ins.  Gen. — Inspector  General. 

inst. — Instant,  institute,  institution. 

instr. — Instrument,  instrumental. 

Int. — Interior,  interpreter. 

int. — Interest. 

int.,  interj. — Interjection. 

internat. — International. 

interrog. — Interrogation,  interrogative,  interrog- 
atively. 

in  trans. — In  transits  (in  course  of  transit). 

Int.  Eev. — Internal  Kevenue. 


128  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Inv. — Invented,  inventor,  invoice. 
I.  0.  F. — Independent  Order  of  Foresters. 
I.  0.  G.  T.— Independent  Order  of  Good  Templars. 
Ion. — Ionic. 

I.  0.  O.  F.— Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
I.  0.  E.  M. — Improved  Order  of  Bed  Men. 
I.  0.  U. — I  owe  you. 
i.  q. — Idem  quod  (the  same  as). 
Ir. — Irish. 
Ir.,  Ire. — Ireland. 
Iran. — Iranian,  Iranic. 

I.  E.  0. — Inland  (or  Internal  Eevenue  Office), 
irreg. — Irregular,  irregularly. 
I.  S. — Inside  Sentinel,  Irish  Society. 
Is.,  Isa. — Isaiah. 

I.    S.   M. — lesus    (Jesus)   Salvator  Mundi    (Jesus, 
Savior  of  the  World). 
I.  T.— Inner  Temple. 
Itin. — Itinerant,  itinerary. 
I.  W.— Isle  of  Wight. 

J. 

J. — Judge,  Jupiter,  judex  (judge). 
J.,  Jul. — Julius. 
J.,  Jun. — Junius. 
J.,  Jus.,  Just.  ( JJ.,  pi.) — Justice. 
J.  A. — Judge  Advocate. 
Jac. — Jacob,  Jacobus  (James). 
J.  A.  G. — Judge  Advocate  General. 
Jam. — Jamaica. 
Jan. — January. 
Jap. — Japan,  Japanese. 
Jas. — James. 
Jav. — Javanese. 

J.   C. — Jesus   Christ,   Julius   Caesar,  Jurisconsultus 
(jurisconsult),  Justice  Clerk. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  129 

j.  C.  D.— Doctor  of  Civil  Law. 
Jer. — Jeremiah. 
J.  H.  S.— (Seel.  H.  S.) 
Jn.,  June. — Junction. 
Jno. — John. 
Jo. — Joel. 

Jon.,  Jona. — Jonathan. 
Jos. — Joseph. 
Josh. — Joshua. 

jour. — Journal,  journey,  journeyman. 
J.  P.,  Jus.  P. — Justice  of  the  Peace. 
J.  Prob. — Judge  of  the  Probate. 
J.  E. — Jacobus  Rex  (King  James), 
jr.,  jun.,  junr.,  Jun.,  Junr. — Junior. 
J.  U.  D. — Doctor  of  both  Laws  (the  canon  and  civil 
laws). 

Jud. — Judicial,  Judith. 

Judg. — Judges. 

Jul. — Julian,  July. 

Jul.  Per. — Julian  Period. 

Jun. — June. 

jurisp. — Jurisprudence. 

Just. — Justinian. 

J.  W. — Junior  Warden. 

K. 

K. — Kalium  (potassium),  King. 
K.,  Kal.,  Kl.— Kalendse  (Kalends). 
K.,  KL— Kings. 
K.,  Knt.,  Kt.— Knight. 
K.  A. — Knight  of  St.  Andrew  (Russia). 
Kan.,  Kans.  (official),  Kas. — Kansas. 
K.  B. — King's  Bench,  Knight  Bachelor,  Knight  of  the 
Bath. 

K.  B.  A.— Knight  of  St.  Bento  d'Avis  (Portugal). 
K.  B.  E.— Knight  of  the  Black  Eagle  (Prussia). 


130  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

K.  C. — King's  College,  King's  Counsel,  Knight  of  the 
Crescent  (Turkey). 

K.  C.  H.— -  Knight  Commander  of  (the  Order  of)  Han- 
over. 

K.  C.  I.  E.— Knight  Commander  of  (the  Order  of)  the 
Indian  Empire. 

K.  C.  M.  G.— Knight  Commander  of  St.  Michael  and 
St.  George  (Ionian  Islands). 

K.  C.  S.— Knight  of  Charles  III.  of  Spain. 

K.  C.  S.  I.— Knight  Commander  of  (the  Order  of) 
the  Star  of  India. 

K.  E.— Knight  of  the  Elephant  (Denmark). 

Ken.,  Ky.  (official) — Kentucky. 

K.  F.— Knight  of  Ferdinand  (Spain). 

K.  F.  M.— Knight  of  St.  Ferdinand  and  Merit 
(Sicily). 

kg.  (KGS.,  pi)— Keg.  ^ 

Kg.,  Kilo.,  Kilog. — Kilogram. 

K.  G.— Knights  of  the  Garter. 

K.  G.  C.— Knight  of  the  Golden  Circle  (U.  S.),  Knight 
of  the  Grand  Cross  (Great  Britain). 

K.  G.  F.— Knight  of  the  Golden  Fleece  (Austria  and 
Spain). 

K.  G.  H.— Knight  of  the  Guelphs  of  Hanover. 

K.  G.  V. — Knight  of  Gustavus  Vasa  (Sweden). 

K.  H.— Knight  of  (the  Order  of)  Hanover, 

kilo.,  kilom.,  km. — Kilometer. 

Kingd.,  Km. — Kingdom. 

K.  J.— Krfght  of  St.  Joachim. 

KK. — Karissimus  (very  dear). 

K.  K. — Kaiserlich,  Koniglich  (Imperial,  Eoyal). 

K.  K.  K.— Ku  Klux  Klan. 

K.  L.,  K.  L.  A. — Knight  of  Leopold  of  Austria. 

K.  L.  B.— Knight  of  Leopold  of  Belgium. 

K.  L.  H. — Knight  of  the  Legion  of  Honor  (France). 

K.  M.— Knight  of  Malta. 

K.  Mess. — King's  Messenger. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  131 

K.  M.  H.— Knight  of  Merit  of  Holstein. 

K.  M.  J. — Knight  of  Maximilian  Joseph  (Bavaria). 

K.  M.  T.— Knight  of  Maria  Theresa  (Austria). 

K.  N. — Know-nothing. 

Knick — Knickerbocker. 

K.  N.  S.— Knight  of  the  North  Star  (Sweden). 

K.  of  H. — Knights  of  Honor. 

K.  of  L. — Knights  of  Labor. 

K.  of  P.— Knights  of  Pythias. 

K.  P.— Knights  of  St.  Patrick. 

kr. — Kreutzer. 

K.  E.  C.— Knight  of  the  Eed  Cross. 

K.  E.  E.— Knight  of  the  Eed  Eagle  (Prussia). 

K.  S.— Knight  of  the  Sword  (Sweden). 

K.  S.  A.— Knight  of  St.  Anne  (Eussia). 

K.  S.  E.— Knight  of  St.  Esprit  (France). 

K.  S.  F.— Knight  of  St.  Fernando  (Spain). 

K.  S.  F.  M.— Knight  of  St.  Ferdinand  and  Merit 
(Naples). 

K.  S.  G,— Knight  of  St.  George  (Eussia). 

K.  S.  H.— Knight  of  St.  Hubert  (Bavaria). 

K.  S.  I.— Knight  of  the  Star  of  India. 

K.  S.  J. — Knight  of  St.  Januarius  (Naples). 

K.  S.  L. — Knight  of  the  Son  and  Lion  (Persia). 

K.  S.  M.  &  S.  G-.— Knights  of  St.  Michael  and  St. 
George  (Ionian  Island). 

K.  S.  P.— Knights  of  St.  Stanislaus  of  Poland. 

K.  S.  S.— Knight  of  the  Southern  Star  (Brazil), 
Knight  of  the  Sword  of  Sweden. 

K.  S.  W.— Knight  of  St.  Wladimir  (Eussia). 

K.  T.— Knight  of  the  Thistle,  Knights  Templars. 

K.  1. 1. — Kai  ta  leipomona,  or  lopia  (and  the  rest,  and 
so  forth). 

K.  T.  S.— Knight  of  the  Tower  and  Sword  (Portu- 
gal). 

K.  W.— Knight  of  William  (Netherlands). 

K.  W.  E.— Knight  of  the  White  Eagle  (Poland). 


132  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

L. 

L. — Lady,  Laelius,  lake,  lane,  Liberal,  Lord,  Lucius. 

L.,  Lat. — Latin. 

L.,  Ib.  (LBS.,  pi.) — Libra  (pound). 

L.,  Lon.,  Lond. — London. 

1. — Length  (Naut.  log-book),  lightning,  line,  link,  long. 

L,  lat. — Latitude. 

1.,  lea. — League,  leave. 

L,  lit.— Liter. 

L.  A. — Law  Agent,  Literate  in  Arts.     (See  L.  L.  A.) 

La.  (official),  Lou. — Louisiana. 

Lab. — Laborador. 

Lad'p,  Ldp.,  Lp. — Ladyship. 

Lam. — Lamentations. 

Lang. — Languedoc. 

lang. — Language. 

Lap. — Lapland. 

Lapp. — Lappish. 

L.  A.  W. — League  of  American  Wheelmen. 

L.  B.— (Same  as  B.  Lit.) 

L.  C. — Lord  Chamberlain,  Lord  Chancellor,  Lower 
Canada. 

1.  c. — Left  center,  letter  of  credit,  lower  case. 

1.  c.,  loc.  cit. — Loco  citato  (in  the  place  cited). 

L.  C.  J. — Lord  Chief  Justice. 

1.  c.  m. — Least  common  multiple. 

L.  D. — Lady  day,  Light  Dragoons,  Low  Dutch,  Doctor 
of  Letters. 

Id. — Litera  dominicalis  (dominical  letter). 

Ldp.,  Lp. — Lordship. 

L.  D.  S. — Latter  Day  Saints,  Licentiate  of  Dental 
Surgery.  (Same  as  D.  D.  S.,  D.  M.  D.,  M.  D.  S.) 

lect. — Lecture. 

1.  f.  e.,  1.  s.  e.,  etc. — Left  first  entrance,  left  second 
entrance,  etc. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  133 

Leg.— Legal,  legate,  legato,  legite  (he  read),  legunt 
(they  read). 

Leg.,  Legis. — Legislative,  legislature. 

Leip. — Leipsic. 

L.  E.  L.— (Same  as  B.  Lit.) 

Let.,  Lett. — Lettish. 

Lev.,  Levit. — Leviticus. 

Lex. — Lexicon. 

lexicog. — Lexicographer,  lexicography. 

Leyd. — Leyden. 

L.  G. — Large  grain,  Life  Guards,  Low  German. 

L.  Gr. — Low  Greek. 

1.  h.— Left  hand. 

L.  H.  A. — Lord  High  Admiral. 

L.  H.  C.— Lord  High  Chancellor. 

L.  H.  T.— Lord  High  Treasurer. 

L.  I. — Light  Infantry,  Long  Island,  Licenciate  of  In- 
struction. 

Lib. — Librarian,  library. 

lib. — Liber  (book). 

lib.  cat. — Library  catalogue. 

Lieut.,  Lt. — Lieutenant. 

lin. — Lineal,  linear. 

Liq. — Liquid,  liquor. 

lit. — Liter,  literal,  literally,  literary,  literature. 

Lit.  B.,  Litt.  B.— (Same  as  B.  Lit.) 

Lit.  D.,  Litt.  D.— (Same  as  D.  L.) 

Lit.  M.,  Litt.  M.— (Same  as  M.  Lit.) 

lith.,  lithog. — Lithograph,  lithography. 

Lithol. — Lithology. 

litt. — Litterateur. 

liturg. — Liturgies. 

liv. — Livre  (book),  pound  (weight  or  coin). 

L.  J.  (L.  JJ.,  pi.) — Lord  Justice. 

L.  L. — Late  Latin,  Law  Latin,  Low  Latin. 

1. 1. — Loco  laudato  (in  the  place  quoted). 


134  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

L.  L.  A. — Form  of  L,  A.  when  the  degree  is  given  to 
a  woman. 

LL.  B. — Bachelor  of  Laws. 

LL.  D. — Doctor  of  Laws. 

LL.  L. — Licenciate  in  Law.  Banks  with  M.  L.,  M. 
C.  L.,  and  LL.  M. 

LL.  M.,  M.  L. — Master  of  Laws. 

L.  M. — Licenciate  in  Medicine.  Banks  between  B.  M. 
and  M.  D. 

log. — Logarithm. 

Ion.,  long. — Longitude. 

loq. — Loquitur  (speaks). 

L.  P. — Lord  Provost. 

1.  p. — Large  paper. 

Lp.,  Ldp. — Lordship. 

L.  P.  S.— Lord  Privy  Seal. 

L.  S. — Linnean  Society,  Locus  sigilli  (the  place  of 
the  seal). 

1.  s. — Left  side. 

L.  (or  1.)  s.  d. — Librae,  solidi,  denarii  (pounds, 
shillings,  pence). 

L.  T. — Lira  Turca  (Turkish  pound). 

1.  t. — Long  ton. 

It.  batt. — Light  battery. 

It.  inf. — Light  infantry. 

L.  U. — Liberal-Union. 

1.  u.  e. — Left  upper  entrance. 

Luth. — Lutheran. 

Iv. — Livres. 

lyr.— Lyric. 

M. 

M. — Marcus,  Marius,  Mitte  (one  thousand),  Mucius. 
M.,  Marq. — Marquis. 
M.,  Matt.— Matthew. 
M.,  Mem. — Member* 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  135 

M.,  mid. — Middle. 

M.,  Mo.,  Mon. — Monday. 

M.,  Mons. — Monsieur. 

m. — Manipulus  (a  handful),  Mensura  (measure,  by 
measure),  Meridian,  meridies  (noon),  meter,  minim 
(naut.  log-book),  mist,  moon. 

m.,  mas.,  masc. — Masculine. 

m.,  mi. — Mile,  mill. 

m.,  min. — Minute. 

m.,  mo.,  mth.,  (MOS.,  pi.) — Month. 

M.  A. — Military  Academy,  Master  of  Arts.  (See 
A.  M.) 

Mac.,  Mace. — Maccabees. 

Maced. — Macedonian. 

mach.,  machin. — Machinery,  machinist. 

Mad.,  Madm. — Madam. 

Ma.  E.— Master  of  Engineering. 

Mag. — Magazine. 

M.  Agr.,  Agr.  M. — Master  of  Agriculture. 

Maj. — Major. 

Mai. — Malachi,  Malayan. 

mam. — Mammalogy. 

Manit. — Manitoba. 

manuf. — Manufactory. 

manufr.  (MFS.,  pi.) — Manufacture. 

manuf.  (MFRS.,  pi.) — Manufacturers. 

manuf.,  mfg. — Manufacturing. 

M.  Ap.  Sc.— (See  M.  A.  S.) 

Mar.,  Mch. — March.* 

mar. — Maritime. 

March. — Marchioness. 

marg. — Margin,  marginal. 

M.  A.  S. — Master  of  Applied  Science. 

Mass. — Massachusetts  (official).  ^ 

math. — Mathematical,  mathematician,  mathematics. 

*March    is    preferably   written    in   full. 


136  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Max. — Maxim,  Maximilian. 

M.  B.— (See  B.  M.) 

M.  B.  Sc. — Master  of  Business  Science. 

M.  C.,  M.  Ch. — Master  of  Surgery  (Chirurgiae) . 

M.  C. — Master  Commandant,  Master  of  Ceremonies, 
Member  of  Congress,  Member  of  Council. 

M.  C.  D. — Doctor  of  Comparative  Medicine. 

M.  C.  E. — Master  of  Civil  Engineering. 

M.  D. — Middle  Dutch,  Doctor  of  Medicine. 

Md. — Maryland  (official). 

m.  d. — Main  droite  (right  hand),  months  (after)  date. 

Mdlle.,  Mile. — Mademoiselle. 

M.  D.  S. — Master  of  Dental  Surgery. 

mdse. — Merchandise. 

M.  D.  V.— (Same  as  D.  V.  M.) 

M.  E. — Mechanical  Engineer,  Methodist  Episcopal, 
Middle  English,  Military  Engineer,  Mining  Engineer, 
Most  Excellent. 

Me. — Maine  (official). 

meas. — Measure. 

mech. — Mechanical,  mechanics. 

M.  E.  C.  L. — Mistress  of  English  and  Classical  Lit- 
erature. 

M.  E.  D. — Master  of  Elementary  Didactics. 

Med. — Medical,  medicine,  medieval. 

Med.  Dir. — Medical  Director. 

Medit. — Mediterranean. 

M.  E.  G.  II.  P.— Most  Excellent  Grand  High  Priest. 

M.  E.  L. — Master  (or  Mistress)  of  English  Litera- 
ture. (Same  as  M.  Lit.) 

Mem. — Memento  (remember),  memoir,  memorandum. 

mensur. — Mensuration. 

mer. — Meridian. 

Merc. — Mercurial,  mercury. 

M.  E.  S.— Methodist  Episcopal  South. 

Messrs.,  MM. — Messieurs  (gentlemen;  sirs). 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  137 

met.,  metaph. — Metaphysical,  metaphysically,  meta- 
physics, metaphor,  metaphorical,  metaphorically. 

Met.,  Metrop. — Metropolitan. 

metal.,  metall. — Metallurgy. 

meteor. — Meteorological,  meteorology. 

Meth. — Methodist. 

Mex. — Mexican,  Mexico. 

m.  f. — Mezzo  forte  (mus.,  rather  loud). 

mfd. — Manufactured. 

M.  ft. — Mistura  fiat  (let  a  mixture  be  made). 

M.  G. — Medical  Gymnast  (a  Swedish  degree),  Grad- 
uate in  Music,  Major-General,  Mesogothic. 

m.  g. — Main  gauche  (Mus.,  left  hand). 

M.  Gr. — Middle  Greek. 

Mgr.,  Monsig. — Monsignor. 

M.  H. — Master  of  Horticulture. 

M.  H.,  M.  Hon. — Most  Honorable. 

M.  H.  G.— Middle  High  German. 

M.  H.  S. — Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  Mem- 
ber of  the  Historical  Society. 

Mic. — Micah. 

Mich. — Michaelmas,  Michigan  (official). 

mid. — Midshipman. 

mil.,  milit. — Military. 

min. — Mining. 

min.,  mineral. — Mineralogical,  mineralogy. 

Minn. — Minnesota  ( official ) . 

Min.  Plen. — Minister  Plenipotentiary. 

Min.  Ees. — Minister  Resident. 

Mis.,  Mo.  (official) — Missouri. 

misc. — Miscellaneous,  miscellany. 

Miss. — Missouri,  Missionary,  Mississippi. 

M.  L. — Master  of  Law,  Master  of  Literature,  Medie- 
val Latin,  Middle  Latin. 

ml. — Milliliter. 

M.  L.  A. — Master  (or  Mistress)  of  Liberal  Arts. 

M.  L.  G. — Middle  Low  German. 


138  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

M.  L.  S. — Master  of  Library  Science.  (See  B.  L.  S., 
D.  L.  S.) 

MM. — (Their)  Majesties,  martyrs.  Also  plural  for 
Latin  words  commonly  abbreviated  M. 

mm. — Millimeter. 

M.  M.  E. — Master  of  Mechanical  Engineering. 

Mme.  (MMES.,  pi.) — Madame. 

M.  Mus. — Master  of  Music. 

M.  N.  A.  S. — Member  of  the  National  Academy  of 
Sciences. 

M.  N.  S. — Member  of  the  Numismatical  Society. 

M.  0. — Master  of  Oratory. 

mod. — Moderate,  modern. 

Moham. — Mohammedan. 

mol.  wt. — Molecular  weight. 

Mon. — Monastery. 

mon. — Monetary. 

Mont. — Montana  (official). 

Mor. — Morocco. 

morn. — Morning. 

M.  P. — Master  of  Painting,  Member  of  Parliament, 
Methodist  Protestant,  Metropolitan  Police,  millia  passium 
(a  thousand  paces:  the  Eoman  mile),  Municipal  Police. 

M.  P.  C. — Member  of  Parliament  in  Canada. 

M.  Ph. — Master  of  Philosophy. 

M.  P.  L. — Master  (or  Mistress)  of  Polite  Literature. 
Indicates  same  as  M.  Lit. 

M.  P.  P. — Member  of  Provincial  Parliament. 

Mr. — Mister  (Master). 

M.  E.— Master  of  the  Eolls. 

M.  E.  A.  S. — Member  of  the  Eoyal  Academy  of 
Science. 

Mrs. — Misses  (Mistress). 

MS.  (MSS.,  pi.)—  Manuscript. 

M.  S. — Master  of  Surgery,  memoriae  sacrum  (sacred 
to  the  memory). 

M.  S.,  M.  Sc. — Master  of  Science. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  139 

m.  s. — Months  (after)  sight. 

]VL  g,  A. — Master  of  Scientific  Agriculture,  Mistress 
of  Science  and  Arts. 

M.  S.  D. — Master  of  Scientific  Didactics. 

m.  s.  1. — Mean  sea  level. 

Mt.  (MTS.,  pi.) — Mount,  mountains. 

M.  T.  CL— Marcus  Tullus  Cicero. 

Mus. — Museum,  music,  musical. 

Mus.  B. — (Same  as  B.  Mus.) 

Mus.  D. — (Same  as  D.  Mus.) 

M.  V.  (Medicus  Veterinarius) — Veterinary  Physician. 
Course  of  four  or  five  years. 

m.  v. — Mezza  voce  (music  with  half  the  power  of  the 
voice). 

M.  V.  D.— (Same  as  D.  V.  M.) 

M.  W.— Most  Worshipful,  Most  Worthy. 

M.  W.  G.  C.  P.— Most  Worthy  Grand  Chief  Patri- 
arch. 

M.  W.  G.  M.— Most  Worshipful  (or  Worthy)  Grand 
Master. 

M.  W.  V. — Mexican  War  Veterans. 

Myst. — Mysteries. 

myth. — Mythological,  mythology. 

N. 

N. — Nero,  nitrogen,  Norse. 
N.,  Nep. — Neptune. 
N.,  No.,  Nor.— North. 
N.,  North. — Northern. 

n. — Name,  natus  (born),  new,  nomen,  noon,  note, 
noun. 

n.,  na. — Nail. 

n.,  neut. — Neuter. 

n.,  nom.,  nomin. — Nominative. 

n.,  No.  (Nos.,  pi.) — Number. 

N.  A. — National  Academician. 


140  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

N.  A.,  N.  Am. — North  America,  North  American. 

N.  A.  D. — National  Academy  of  Design. 

Nah. — Nahum. 

Nap. — Napoleon. 

narr. — Narratio  (in  law,  a  formal  statement). 

N.  A.  S. — National  Academy  of  Sciences 

Nat. — Natal,  National. 

nat. — Natural,  naturalist. 

Nath. — Nathaniel. 

Nat.  Hist. — Natural  History. 

nat.  ord. — Natural  order. 

Nat.  Sc.  Doc. — Doctor  of  Natural  Science.  Eanks 
with  Ph.  D. 

naut. — Nautical. 

nav. — Naval. 

nav.,  navig. — Navigation. 

Nav.  Const. — Naval  constructor. 

navig. — Navigator. 

N.  B. — New  Brunswick,  North  Britain,  North  British, 
nota  bene  (note  well). 

N.  C—  New  Church,  North  Carolina  (official). 

n.  d. — No  date. 

N.  Dak.— North  Dakota  (official). 

N.  E. — Northeast,  Northeastern. 

N.  E.,  N.  Eng.— New  England. 

Neb.,  Nebr.  (official) — Nebraska. 

neg. — Negative,  negatively. 

Neh. — Nehemiah. 

n.  e.  i. — Non  est  inventus  (is  not  found). 

nem.  con. — Nemine  dissentient  e  (no  one  contradict- 
ing, unanimously). 

Neo-Plat. — Neo-Platonic. 

Neth. — Netherlands . 

Nev. — Nevada  (official). 

New  M.,  N.  M.,  N.  Mex.  (official) — New  Mexico. 

New  Test.,  N.  T.— New  Testament. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  141 

N.  F. — New  Foundland,  New  French,  Norman 
French. 

N.  G. — National  Guard,  New  Grenada,  Noble  Guard. 

n.  g. — No  good. 

Ng.,  Norw. — Norwegian. 

N.  Gr. — New  Greek. 

N.  H. — New  Hampshire  (official). 

N.  H.  D.— (Same  as  Doc.  Nat.  Hist.) 

N.  Heb. — New  Hebrew. 

N.  H.  G. — New  High  German. 

N.  H.  H.  S. — New  Hampshire  Historical  Society. 

Nicar. — Nicaragua. 

No.  Pri.,  N.  P. — Nisi  Prius  (unless  before) 

N.  L. — New  Latin. 

N.  J. — New  Jersey  (official). 

n.  1. — Non  licet  (it  is  not  permitted),  non  liquet  (it 
is  not  clear),  non  longe  (not  far). 

N.  L.— North  Latitude. 

N.  N.  E.— North-northeast. 

N.  N.  W. — North-northwest. 

N.  0. — Natural  order,  New  Orleans. 

nol.  pros. — Nolle  Prosequi  (to  be  unwilling  to  prose- 
cute). 

Non-com. — Non-commissioned,  non-commissioned  of- 
ficer. 

non  con. — Non-content,  i.  e.,  dissentient. 

non  cul. — Non  culpabilis  (not  guilty). 

non  obs.,  non  obst. — Non  obstante  (notwithstanding). 

non  pros. — Non  prosequitur  (he  does  not  prosecute). 

non  seq. — Non  sequitur  (it  does  not  follow). 

n.  o.  p. — Not  otherwise  provided  for. 

Nor. — Norman. 

Northum.,  Northumb. — Northumberland. 

Norw. — Norway. 

Nov. — November. 

N.  P. — New  Providence,  Notary  Public. 

N.  P.  D. — North  polar  distance. 


142  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

N.  S. — New  School,  New  Series,  New  Side,  New  Style, 
Notre  Seigneur  (Our  Lord),  Nova  Scotia,  Numismatic 
Society. 

n.  s. — Not  specified. 

N.  S.  J.  C. — Noster  Salvator  Jesus  Christus  (Our 
Savior  Jesus  Christ),  Notre  Seigneur  Jesus  Christ  (Our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ). 

N.  S.  W.— New  South  Wales. 

N.  T. — New  translation. 

n.  u. — Name  unknown. 

Num.,  Numb. — Numbers. 

num. — Numeral. 

numis. — Numismatic,  Numismatics,  Numismatology. 

nux  vom. — Nux  vomica. 

N.  V. — New  Version. 

N.  V.  M. — Nativity  of  the  Virgin  Mary. 

N.  W. — Northwest,  northwestern. 

N.  W.  S.  A. — National  Woman's  Suffrage  Associa- 
tion. 

N.  W.  T.— Northwest  Territory. 
,    N.  T.— New  York  (official). 

N.  Y.  H.  S.— New  York  Historical  Society. 

N.  Z.,  N.  Zeal.— New  Zealand. 

0. 

0. — Ohio,  Ossa,  Oxygen. 

o. — Octarius  (a  pint),  old  (naut.  log-book),  over- 
cast. 

O.  B.— (Same  as  B.  0.) 

Ob.,  Obad.— Obadiah. 

ob. — Obiit  (died),  obiter  (incidentally,  by  the  way), 
oboe. 

obdt.,  Obt.,  obt.— Obedient. 

obj. — Object,  objection,  objective,  objectively. 

obi. — Oblique,  oblong. 

obs. — Observation,  observatory,  obsolete. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  142 

obstet. — Obstetrics. 

0.  Bulg.— Old  Bulgarian. 

oc. — Ocean. 

O.  Gel.,  O.  Celt.— Old  Celtic. 

Oct. — October. 

O.  D._01d  Dutch. 

O.  Dan.— Old  Danish. 

O.  E.— Old  English. 

O.  F.— Odd  Fellow,  Old  French. 

off. — Official,  officinal. 

offg.— Officiating. 

O.  Fris.— Old  Frisian. 

O.  G. — Outside  Guard  or  Guardian. 

0.  Gael.— Old  Gaelic. 

O.  H.  G.— Old  High  German. 

0.  Ice.,  O.  Icel. — Old  Icelandic. 

0.  Ir.— Old  Irish. 

0.  It.— Old  Italian. 

O.  K.  (0.  K.s,  pi.)— All  correct.  (Humorous  spell- 
ing, oil  korrect.) 

0.  Kd— All  corrected. 

0.  K.ing — Correcting. 

Okla. — Oklahoma  (official). 

O.  L.— Old  Latin. 

01.— Oleum  (oil). 

01.,  Olym. — Olympiad. 

Old  Test.,  0.  T.— Old  Testament. 

0.  L.  G.— Old  Low  German. 

0.  M. — Old  measurement. 

omn.  hor. — Omni  hora  (every  hour). 

O.  M.  V. — Master  of  Obstetrics  of  Vienna. 

O.  N.— Old  Norse. 

O.  N.  F.— Old  Northern  French  . 

Ont. — Ontario. 

0.  P. — Old  Price,  Ordinis  Praedicatorum  (of  the  order 
of  Preachers  or  Dominicans). 

Op. — Opera. 


144  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

op. — Opus. 

op.,  opp. — Opposite. 

o.  p. — Opposite  prompt  (side),  out  of  print. 

opp. — Opposed. 

opt. — Optative,  optical,  optician,  optics. 

Or. — Oriental. 

Or.,  Ore.,  Oreg. — Oregon. 

orat. — Orator. 

O.  E.  C.— Order  of  the  Eed  Cross. 

ord. — Ordained,  order,  ordinance,  ordinary. 

ord.,  ordn. — Ordnance. 

org. — Organic,  organized. 

org.  chem. — Organic  chemistry. 

orient. — Orientalist. 

orig. — Origin,  original,  originally. 

ornith. — Ornithological,  ornithology. 

O.  S.— Old  Saxon,  Old  School,  Old  Series,  Old  Side, 
Old  Style,  Outside  Sentinel. 

0.  S.  A. — Ordinis  Sancti  Augustini  (of  the  Order  of 
St.  Agness). 

0.  S.  B. — Ordinis  Sancti  Benedicti  (of  the  Order  of 
St.  Benedict.) 

0.  S.  F. — Ordinis  Sancti  Francisci  (of  the  Order  of 
St.  Francis). 

O.  SI.— Old  Slavonic. 

O.  U.  A. — Order  of  United  Americans. 

O.  U.  A.  M. — Order  of  United  American  Mechanics. 

Oxf.— Oxford. 

oz.  (oz.,  ozs.,  pi.) — Ounce. 

P. 

P. — Parnellite,  Phosphorous,  Publius. 

p. — (Naut.  log-book)  passing  showers,  past,  pater 
(father)  penny,  pere  (father),  piano  (soft),  pipe,  pole, 
poudere  (by  weight). 

p.  (PP.,  pi)—  Page. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  145 

p.,  pop. — Population. 

p.,  pt.  (PTS.,  pi.) — Part,  pint. 

p.,  part.,  adj. — Participal  adjective. 

Pa.  (official),  Penn. — Pennsylvania. 

P.  A.— Post  Adjutant. 

Pac.  Oc. — Pacific  Ocean. 

p.  ac. — Paries^  aequales  (equal  parts). 

paint. — Painting. 

Pal. — Palestine. 

pal.,  paleon.,  paleont. — Paleontology. 

pam.,  pamph. — Pamphlet. 

Pan. — Panama. 

par. — Paragraph,  parallel,  parish. 

Para. — Paraguay. 

Parl. — Parliament,  parliamentary. 

par.  pas. — Parallel  passage. 

part. — Participle. 

pass. — Passive. 

Pata. — Patagonia. 

path.,  pathol. — Pathology. 

Patk.— Patrick. 

Pat.  Off.— Patent  Office. 

paym't,  payt.,  pay't,  pt.  (PTS.,  pi.) — Payment. 

P.  C. — Pharmaceutical  Chemist,  Patres  Conscripti 
(Conscript  Fathers,  Senators),  Police  Constable,  Post 
Commander,  Principal  Conductor,  Privy  Council,  Privy 
Councillor. 

p.  D.— (Same  as  Ph.  D.) 

p.  c. — Postal  card,  post  consulatum  (after  the  coun- 
cilship). 

Pd.— Palladium. 

pd.— Paid. 

Pd.  D. — Doctor  of  Pedagogy. 

Pd.  M. — Master  of  Pedagogy. 

P.  E. — Presiding  Elder,  Protestant  Episcopal. 

Pe.  B. — Bachelor  of  Pedagogics. 

P.  E.  L— Prince  Edward  Island. 


146  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

pen. — Peninsula. 

Pent. — Pentecost. 

peo. — People. 

per. — Period. 

per.,  pers. — Person. 

Per.,  Pers. — Persia,  Persian. 

per  an. — Per  annum  (annually). 

per  ct. — Per  cent. 

perf.,  pf.— Perfect. 

pers. — Personal,  personally. 

persp. — Perspective. 

pert. — Pertaining. 

Peruv. — Peruvian. 

Pet.— Peter. 

pf.,  pref. — Preferred. 

p.  f. — Pui  forte  (a  little  louder). 

P.  G. — German  Pharmacopoeia.  Past  Grand. 

Pg.,  Port.,  Ptg. — Portugal,  Portuguese. 

P.  G.  M.— Past  Grand  Master. 

Phar. — Pharmaceutical,  pharmacopoeia,  phartfiacy. 

Phar.  D.,  Pharm.  D.— Doctor  of  Pharmacy. 

Pharm.  M. — Master  of  Pharmacy. 

Ph.  B.— (Same  as  B.  Ph.) 

Ph.  D. — Doctor  of  Philosophy,  also  same  a*s  Phar.  D. 

Ph.  M.— (Same  as  M.  Ph.) 

Phen.,  Phenic. — Phenician. 

Phil. — Philip,  Philippians. 

Phil.,  Phila.— Philadelphia. 

Phil.,  Philem.— Philemon. 

phil.,  philos. — Philosopher,  philosophical,  philosophy. 

Phil.  Soc.,  Ph.  S. — American  Philological  Society. 

phon.,  phonet. — Phonetics. 

phonog. — Phonography. 

phonol. — Phonology. 

phot.,  photog. — Photographic,  photography. 

phr. — Phrase. 

phren.,  phrenol,— Phrenological,  phrenology. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  147 

P.  H.  S. — Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 

phys. — Physical,  physician,  physics. 

phys.,  physiol. — Physiological,  physiology. 

Phys.  Sci. — Physical  Science. 

P.  I. — Phonographic  Institute,  Philippine  Islands. 

'pinx.,  pnxt.,  pxt. — Pinxit  (painted  it). 

P.  J. — Justice  of  the  Peace,  Police  Justice,  Presiding 
Judge,  Probate  Judge. 

pk.  (PKS.,  pi.) — Peck. 

pkg.  (PKGS.,  pi.) — Package. 

P.  L. — Paradise  Lost,  Poet  Laureate. 

pi. — Place,  plate. 

pi.,  plur. — Plural. 

plup.,  plupf. — Pluperfect. 

Plur.— Plurality. 

P.  M. — Past  Master,  Past  Midshipman,  paymaster, 
postmaster,  post  meridian  (afternoon). 

P.  M.,  Pon.  Max. — Pontifex  Maximus  (Supreme 
Pontiff). 

pm. — Premium. 

P.  M.  Gr. — Paymaster-general,  Postmaster-general. 

p.  n. — Promissory  note. 

pneum. — Pneumatic,  pneumatics. 

po. — Pole :  a  measure. 

P.  0.— Post  Office,  Province  of  Ontario. 

P.  0.  D. — Pay  on  Delivery,  Post-Office  Department. 

poet. — Poetic,  poetical,  poetry. 

Pol.— Poland,  Polish. 

pol.,  polit. — Political,  politics. 

polit.  econ. — Political  economy. 

P.  0.  0.— Post-office  order. 

pop. — Popular,  popularity. 

pos.,  posit. — Positive. 

pos.,  poss. — Possession,  possessive. 

pot. — Potential. 

P.  P. — Parens  (or  Pater)  Patriae  (Father  of  his 
Country),  Parish  priest. 


148  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

p.  p. — Past  participle,  play  or  pay. 

p.  p.,  per  proc. — A  proxy. 

p.  p.,  prop.,  propr. — Proprietor. 

pp.,  ppp.,  pppp. — Pianissimo. 

P.  P.  C. — Pour  prendre  conge  (to  take  leave). 

pph. — Pamphlet. 

p.  p.  i. — Policy  proof  of  interest. 

p.  pr.,  ppr. — Participle  present. 

ppr. — Proper. 

P.  Prog. — Pilgrim's  Progress. 

P.  Q. — Previous  questions,  Province  of  Quebec. 

pr. — Per,  pretor,  price. 

pr.  (PES.,  pi.) — Pair. 

pr.,  prep. — Preposition. 

pr.,  pres. — Present. 

pr.,  pron. — Pronominal,  pronoun. 

P.  E. — Paradise  Regained,  Populus  Romanus  (the 
Roman  People),  Prize-ring. 

P.  R.,  P.  Rico.— Puerto  Rico. 

Pr. — Praseodymium,  priest,  prince. 

Pr.  (PBS.,  pi.) — Printer. 

Pr.,  Prov. — Provencal. 

P.  R.  C. — Post  Roman  conditam  (after  the  building 
of  Rome). 

Preb. — Prebend,  prebendary. 

Prec. — Preceding. 

pref. — Preface,  preference,  prefix,  prefixed 

Pres. — President. 

Pres.,  Presb. — Presbyterian. 

pret. — Preterit. 

prim. — Primary,  primate,  primitive. 

prin. — Principal,  principally,  principles. 

print. — Printing. 

priv. — Privative. 

p.  r.  n. — Pro  re  nata  (as  the  occasion  arises). 

prob. — Probable,  probably,  problem. 

Proc. — Proceedings. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  149 

Prof. — Professor. 
Prom.  Promontory, 
pron. — Pronounced,  pronunciation, 
prop. — Properly,  proposition, 
pros. — Prosody. 
Prot. — Protestant. 

pro  tern. — Pro  tempore  (for  the  time  being). 
Prov. — Provence,  Proverbs,  Province,  Provost. 
Prov.,  prov. — Provincial, 
prov. — Proverbially, 
prox. — Proximo  (next  month). 
Prus. — Prussia,  Prussian. 

P.  S. — Permanent  Secretary,  post  scriptum   (PSS., 
pL)  (post  script),  Principal  Sojourner,  Privy  Seal, 
ps. — Pieces. 

Ps.,  Psa. — Psalm,  Psalms, 
pseud. — Pseudonym, 
psych. — Psychic,  psychical, 
psych.,  psychol. — Psychology, 
Pt. — Platinum,  point,  port, 
p.  t. — Post-town. 
P.  T.— Pupil  teacher. 
P.  T.  0. — Please  turn  over, 
pub. — Public,  published,  publisher,  publishing, 
pub.,  pubn. — Publication, 
pulv. — Pulvis  (powder), 
p.  v. — Post-village, 
pwt. — Pennyweight. 
P.  X. — Please  exchange. 

Q. 

Q. — Quintius,  Quintus,  Quirites. 

Q.,  Qu.— Queen. 

Q.,  Que. — Quebec. 

q. — Quasi,  (Naut.  log-book)  squalls. 

q.,  qr.  (QRS.,  pi.) — Quadrane  (farthing). 


150  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

q.,  qu.,  qy.— Query.  ^ 

q.,  qu.,  ques. — Question. 

q.,  ql. — Quintal. 

Q.  A.  B. — Queen  Anne's  Bounty. 

Q.  B. — Queen's  Bench. 

Q.  C. — Queen's  College,  Queen's  Counsel 

q.  d. — Quasi  dicat  (as  if  he  should  say),  quasi  dictum 
(as  if  said),  quasi  dixisset  (as  if  he  had  said). 

q.  e. — Quod  est  (which  is). 

q.  e.  d. — Quod  erat  demonstrandum  (which  was  to  be 
demonstrated). 

q.  e.  f. — Quod  erat  faciendum  (which  was  to  be  done). 

q.  e.  i. — Quod  erat  inveniendum  (which  was  to  be 
found  out). 

q.  1. — Quantum  libet  (as  much  as  is  agreeable). 

Q.  M. — Quartermaster. 

qm. — Quomodo  (in  what  manner,  by  what  means, 
how). 

Q.  Mess. — Queen's  Messenger. 

Q.  M.  G. — Quartermaster-general. 

q.  p.,  q.  pi. — Quantum  placet  (as  much  as  seems  good). 

qr.  (QBS.,  pi.) — Quarter  (weight  or  measure),  quire. 

q.  s. — Quantum  sufficit  (as  much  as  suffices),  quarter 
section. 

Q.  S. — Quarter-sessions. 

qt.  (QTS.,  pi.) — Quart. 

qu. — Quantity. 

qu.,  quar.,  quart. — Quarter,  quarterly. 

quad. — Quadrant,  quadrate. 

q.  v. — Quantum  vis  (as  much  as  you  will),  Quod  vide 
(which  see). 

E. 

R. — Regina  (Queen),  response,  Respublica  (the  Re- 
public), retired,  Rex  (King),  Roma  (Eome),  Eufus 
(Naut.  log-book)  run  (deserted). 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  151 

E.,  Bad. — Badical. 

E.,  E.  W.,  Ew.,  Ey.— Eailway. 

E.,  Eeam. — Eeamur. 

E.,  Eec. — Eecipe. 

E.,  Eect. — Eector. 

E.,  Eep.,  Eepub.,  Ep. — Bepublic,  Eepublican. 

E.,  Eiv. — Eiver. 

E.,  Eobt.— Eobert. 

r. — (Naut.  log-book)  rainy,  rare,  residence,  resides, 
right,  rises,  rod. 

r.  (BS.,  pi.) — Eupee. 

r.,  ro. — Eood. 

E.  A. — Eear-admiral,  right  ascension,  Eoyal  Acad- 
emy, Eoyal  Arcanum,  Eoyal  Artillery,  Eussian  America. 

Eabb. — Eabbinical. 

E.  A.  C.— Eoyal  Arch  Chapter. 

rad. — Radix  (root). 

rail. — Eallentando  (gradually  slower). 

E.  A.  M. — Eoyal  Academy  of  Music,  Eoyal  Arch 
Mason. 

E.  C.— Eed  Cross. 

E.  C.,  Eom.  Cath. — Eoman  Catholic. 

r.  c. — Eight  center. 

E.  C.  A. — Eeformed  Church  in  America. 

E.  C.  Ch. — Eoman  Catholic  Church. 

rcpt.,  rec't,  rect. — Beceipt. 

E.  E. — Eeformed  Episcopal,  Eight  Excellent,  Eoyal 
Engineers,  Eoyal  Exchange. 

r.  1.  e.,  r.  2.  e. — Eight  first  entrance,  right  second 
entrance,  etc. 

rec'd,  reed. — Eeceived. 

Eec.  Sec. — Eecording  Secretary. 

Eef. — Eeformation. 

Eef.  Ch.— Eeformed  Church. 

refl. — Eeflection,  reflective,  reflex,  reflexive,  reflex- 
ively. 

Beg. — Eegister,  Eegistrar. 


152  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

reg. — Eegistry,  regular. 

Beg.,  Eegt. — Begent,  Begiment. 

rel. — Belative,  relatively,  religion,  religious,  reliquae 
(remains,  relics). 

rel.  pron. — Eelative  pronoun. 

rem. — Eemark. 

Eep. — Eeporter,  Eepresentative. 

Eep.,  rpt. — Eeport. 

rep.,  repr. — Eepresenting. 

retd. — Beturned. 

Eev. — Eevelation,  revenue,  review,  revolution. 

Eev.,  Bev'd  (EEVS.,  pi.) — Eeverend. 

rev. — Eevise,  revised,  revision. 

Eev.  Stat.,  Eev.  Stats.,  E.  S.— Eevised  Statutes. 

Eev.  Ver.,  E.  V. — Eevised  Version. 

E.  F. — Eepublique  Francaise  (French  Eepublic). 

r.  h. — Eight  hand. 

E.  H. — Eoyal  Highness. 

rhet. — Ehetoric,  rhetorical. 

E.  L— Ehode  Island  (official). 

Eich.,  Bich'd.— Eichard. 

E.  I.  P. — Requiescat  in  pace  (may  he  [or  she]  rest 
in  peace). 

rit.,  ritard. — Eitardando  (Mus.,  gradually  slackening 
the  speed). 

riten. — Eitenuto  (same  as  ritardando). 

rm. — Eeam. 

E.  1ST.— Eoyal  Navy. 

E.  O. — Eeceiving  Office. 

Eom. — Eoman,  Eomance,  Eomans. 

Eoum. — Eoumanian. 

E.  P.  E. — Eeformed  Protestant  Episcopal. 

E.  S. — Eecording  Secretary. 

r.  s. — Eight  side. 

E.  S.  V.  P. — Repondez,  s'il  vous  plait  (answer,  if  you 
please). 

Et.  Hon. — Eight  Honorable. 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  153 

Et.  Kev. — Bight  Eeverend. 

Et.  Wpful.,  E.  W.— Eight  Worshipful. 

r.  u.  e. — Eight  upper  entrance. 

Eus.,  Euss. — Eussian. 

E.  W.— Eight  Worthy. 

S. 

S. — Scribe,  segno,  Sextus,  Sign,  Signer,  sun. 
S.,  Sab.— Sabbath. 
S.,  St.  (STE.,  fern.;  SS.,  pi.}—  Saint. 
S.,  Sa.,  Sat. — Saturday. 
S.,  Sax. — Saxon. 
S.,  s. — Scalar. 
S.,  Serv. — Servius. 
S.,  Soc. — Society. 
S.,  So.— South. 
S.,  Sou. — Southern. 
S.,  Su.,  Sun.,  Sund. — Sunday. 

s. — See,  set,  sinister  (Naut.  log-book),  snow,  solo,  son, 
stem,  succeeded. 
s.  sec. — Second. 


sec.,  sect,  (ss.,  pi.) — Section. 

ser. — Series. 

sh. — Shilling. 

sin.,  sing. — Singular. 

sop. — Soprano. 


s.,  subst. — Substantive. 
S.  A. — South  Africa,  South  Australia. 
S.  A.,  S.  Am. — South  America,  South  American. 
s.  a. — Secundum  artem  (according  to  art),  sine  anno 
(without  date). 

Sam.,  SamL — Samuel. 

Sam.,  Samar. — Samaritan. 

San.,  Sans.,  Sansc.,  Sansk.,  Skr.,  Skt. — Sanskrit. 

Sar. — Sardinia,  Sardinian. 

Sax. — Saxony. 


154  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

S.  B. — South  Britain,  Spartan  Brotherhood,  steam- 
boat. 

S.  B.,  Sc.  B.— (Same  as  B.  Sc.) 

S.  C. — South  Carolina,  Staff  Corps,  Supreme  Court 

s.  c.,  s.  caps.,  sm.  caps. — Small  capitals. 

Sc.,  Scot. — Scotch. 

Sc. — Scene. 

sc.,  scil.,  SS. — Scilicet  (namely,  to  wit). 

sc.,  sculp.,  sculpt. — Sculpsit  (engraved  it). 

Scan.,  Scand. — Scandinavian. 

Sc.  D.,  S.  D.— (Same  as  D.  S.) 

sch.,  schol. — Scholium  (a  note). 

sch.,  schr. — Schooner. 

sci. — Science,  scientific. 

sci.  fa. — Scire  facias   (that  you  cause   to    know:    a 
judicial  writ). 

Sclav. — Sclavonic. 

Sc.  M.,  S.  M.— (Same  as  M.  S.) 

Scot. — Scotland,  Scottish. 

scr. — Scruple. 
v  Script. — Scriptural,  scripture. 

sculp.,  sculpt. — Sculptor,  sculptural,  sculpture. 

S.  D. — Salutem  dicit  (sends  greeting),  Senior  Deacon. 

s.  d. — Sine  die  (without  day). 

S.  Dak.— South  Dakota  (official). 

S.  E. — Southeast,  Southeastern. 

Sec.— Secretary. 

sec. — Secant. 

Sec.  Leg. — Secretary  of  Legation. 

sec.  leg. — Secundum  legem  (according  to  law). 

sec.  reg. — Secundum  regem. 

sel. — Selected,  selection. 

Sem. — Seminary,  Semitic. 

sem. — Semble  (it  seems). 

Sen. — Senate,  Senator. 

sen.,  senr.,  Sr. — Senior. 

Sen.  Doc. — Senate  Document. 


AND  BUSINESS   ENGLISH  155 

* 

sep. — Separate. 

Sep.,  Sept. — September,  Septuagint. 

seq.,  sq. — Sequentes,  sequentia  (the  following). 

seqq.,  sqq. — Sequentibus  (in  the  following  places). 

ser. — Sermon. 

serg.,  sergt. — Sergeant. 

serj.,  serjt. — Serjeant. 

Serv. — Servia,  Servian. 

serv. — Servant. 

sess. — Session. 

sfz. — Sforando  (Mus.,  accented  forcibly). 

S.  G. — Solicitor-general. 

s.  g.,  sp.  gr. — Specific  gravity. 

S.  H. — School-house. 

Shak.,  Shaks. — Shakespeare. 

s.  h.  v. — Sub  Jiac  verbo  or  v oce  (under  this  word). 

S.  I. — Sandwich  Islands,  Staten  Island. 

Sib. — Siberia,  Siberian. 

Sic. — Sicilian,  Sicily. 

Sim. — Simeon. 

sin. — Sine. 

S.  J. — Society  of  Jesus. 

S.  J.  C. — Supreme  Judicial  Court. 

S.  L. — Sergeant  at  Law,  Solicitor  at  Law. 

S.  L,  S.  lat.— South  latitude. 

Slav. — Slavic,  Slavonian,  Slavonic. 

sld. — Sailed. 

s.  1.  p. — Sine  legitima  prole  (without  lawful  issue). 

S.  M. — Senior  Magistrate,  sewing  machine,  State 
Militia. 

S.  M.  E. — Sancta  Mater  Ecclesia  (Holy  Mother 
Church). 

Smith.  Inst. — Smithsonian  Institution. 

S.  M.  M. — Sancta  Mater  Maria  (Holy  Mother  Mary). 

s.  m.  p.— Sine  mascula  prole  (without  male  issue). 

s.  n. — Secundum  naturam  (according  to  nature). 

S.  0.— Sub  Office. 


156  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

s.  o. — Sellers'  option. 

Soc. — Socrates. 

sociol. — Sociology. 

Soc.  Isl. — Society  Islands. 

S.  of  Sol.— Song  of  Solomon. 

S.  of  T. — Sons  of  Temperance. 

Sol.,  Solr. — Solicitor. 

sol.,  solut. — Solution. 

Soph. — Sophist,  Sophocles,  sophomore. 

sov. — Sovereign. 

Sp. — Spain,  Spanish,  Spirit. 

s.  p. — Sine  prole  (without  issue). 

sp. — Spelling. 

S.  P.  C. — Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Crime. 

S.  P.  C.  A.— Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to 
Animals. 

S.  P.  C.  C.— Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to 
Children. 

spec. — Special,  specially. 

spec.,  specif. — Specific,  specifically. 

sport. — Sporting. 

S.  P.  Q.  ~R.—Senatus  Populusque  Eomanus  (The 
Eoman  Senate  and  People). 

s.  p.  r. — Sine  prole  superstite  (without  surviving 
issue). 

spt. — Seaport. 

sq. — Square. 

sq.  ft.,  sq.  in.,  etc. — Square  foot  (or  feet),  square 
inch,  etc. 

Sr.— Sir.     (See  Senior.) 

S.  E.  I. — Sacrum  Romanum  Imperium  (Holy  Eoman 
Empire). 

SS.— Semis  (half). 

S.  S. — Sabbath-school,  Sunday-school. 

s.  s. — Screw  steamer,  steamship. 

SS.  D. — Sanctissimus  Dominus  (Most  Holy  Lord  [the 
Pope]). 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  157 

S.  S.  E.— South-southeast. 

S.  S.  W.— South-southwest. 

St.— Strait. 

St.  (Sis.,  pi.)—  Street. 

st. — Stanza,  stet,  stone,  strophe. 

s.  t. — Senza  tempo  (without  marked  time),  short  ton. 

S.  T.  B. — (Sacrae  Theologiae  Baccalaurous)  Bach- 
elor of  Theology.  Indicates  same  as  B.  D. 

Stat. — Statim  (immediately),  statuary,  statute. 

S.  T.  D. — (Sacrae  Theologiae  Doctor)  Doctor  of 
Divinity.  Indicates  same  as  D.  D. 

ster.,  stereo. — Stereotype,  stereotyper,  stereotyping, 

ster.,  stg. — Sterling. 

str. — Steamer. 

sub. — Suburb,  suburban. 

sub.,  subj. — Subject,  subjective,  subjunctive. 

sub.,  subst. — Substitute. 

subsect. — Subsection. 

suf.,  suff. — Suffix. 

Suit.— Sultan. 

sup. — Supine,  supra. 

Sup.  Ct. — Superior  Court,  Supreme  Court. 

sup.,  super. — Superior,  superfine. 

sup.,  superl. — Superlative. 

sup.,  Supp. — Supplement. 

sup.,  Supr. — Supreme. 

Supt. — Superintendent. 

Surg. — Surgeon. 

surg. — Surgery,  surgical. 

Surv. — Surveying,  surveyor. 

s.  v. — Sub  verbo  or  voce  (under  the  word). 

S.  V. — Sancta  Virgo  (Holy  Virgin),  Sanctitas  Vestra 
(Your  Holiness),  Sons  of  Veterans. 

S.  W. — Senior  Warden,  southwest,  southwestern. 

Sw. — Sweden,  Swedish. 

Swit,  Switz. — Switzerland. 

sym. — Symbol,  symbolic. 


158  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

syn. — Synonym,  synonymous. 

synop. — Synopsis. 

Syr. — Syria,  Syriac,  Syrian. 

syr. — Sirup. 

syst. — System. 

T. 

T.— Tensor. 

T.,  Ter.,  Terr.— Territory. 

T.,  Test.— Testament. 

T.,  Tit.— Titus. 

T.,  Tu.,  Tues.— Tuesday. 

T.,  Tul.,  Tvl.— Tullius. 

t. — (Naut.  log-book)  thunder,  ton,  town,  tun,  tutti 
(all  together). 

t.,  temp. — Tempore  (in  the  time  [of]). 

t.,  ten. — Tenor. 

t.,  torn. — Tome. 

t.,  tp. — Township. 

t.,  trans.,  tr. — Transitive. 

T.  A.  B. — Total  Abstinence  Brotherhood 

tal.  qual. — Tails  quails  (of  average  quality). 

tan. — Tangent. 

tart. — Tartaric. 

Tb.,  Ti.,  Tib.— Tiberius. 

tc.,  tier.  (TCS.,  TBCS.,  pi.) — Tierce. 

T.  E. — Typographical  Engineer.  (Four  years' 
course.) 

tech. — Technical,  technically. 

tech.,  technol. — Technology. 

tel.,  teleg. — Telegram,  telegraph,  telegraphic. 

temp. — Temporal,  temporary. 

Tenn. — Tennessee  (official). 

term. — Termination. 

Teut.— Teuton,  Teutonic. 

Tex. — Texan,  Texas  (official). 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  159 

Text.  Eec. — Textus  receptus  (received  text). 

tf._ Till  forbidden. 

t.  g. — Type  genus. 

Th.— Theophilus,  Thomas. 

Th.,  Thu.,  Thur.,  Thurs.— Thursday. 

theat. — Theatrical. 

Theo.— Theodore. 

theol — Theologian,  theological,  theology. 

theor. — Theorem. 

Theos. — Theosophical,  theosophist,  theosophy. 

therap. — Therapeutic,  therapeutics. 

Thess. — Thessalonians. 

thlr.— Thaler. 

Tho.,  Thos.— Thomas. 

t.  i.  d. — Ter  in  die  (three  times  a  day). 

Tim.— Timothy. 

tinct. — Tincture. 

T.  0.— Turn  over. 

Tob.— Tobit. 

tonn. — Tonnage. 

topog. — Topographical,  topography. 

Tr.— Trustee. 

Tr.,  Trb.— Tribunus  (tribune). 

Tr.,  Trans. — Transactions,  translator. 

Tr.,  Treas. — Treasurer 

tr. — Transpose,  trill. 

tr.,  trans. — Translated,  translation. 

trag. — Tragedy,  tragic. 

transf. — Transferred. 

Trav. — Travels. 

Treas. — Treasury. 

trig.,  trigon. — Trigonometrical,  trigonometry. 

Trin.— Trinity. 

trop. — Tropic,  tropical,  tropically. 

ts.— Till  sale. 


160  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

T.  L.  L.— To  take  leave. 
Tur.,  Turk.— Turkey,  Turkish. 

typ.,  typo.,  typog.— Typographer,  typographic,  typog- 
raphy. 

U. 

II. — Uranium. 

u. — (Naut.  log-book).  Ugly,  threatening  weather; 
you. 

U.  B.— United  Brethren. 

U.  C. — Upper  Canada,  urbe  condita  (the  city  being 
built:  year  of  Eome). 

U.  Gr.  E.  E. — Underground  railroad. 

U.  J.  D. — Doctor  of  Both  Laws  (the  canon  and  civil 
laws). 

U.  K.— United  Kingdom. 

ult.,  ulto. — Ultimo  (last  [month]). 

um.,  unm. — Unmarried. 

ung. — Unguentum  ( ointment ) . 

Unit. — Unitarian. 

Univ. — Universalist,  University. 

univ. — Universal. 

U.  P. — United  Presbyterians. 

up. — Upper. 

Uru. — Uruguay. 

U.  S. — Uncle  Sam,  United  Service,  United  States. 

u.  s.,  ut.  sup. — Ut.  supra  (as  above). 

U.  S.  A,— United  States  Army,  United  States  of 
America. 

U.  S.  C.  C.  or  Ct.— United  States  Circuit  Court. 

U.  S.  L. — United  States  Legation. 

U.  S.  M.— United  States  Mail,  United  States  Marines. 

U.  S.  M.  A.-— United  States  Military  Academy. 

U.  S.  N.— United  States  Navy. 

U.  S.  N.  A. — United  States  Naval  Academy. 

U.  S.  P.,  U.  S.  Pharm.— United  States  Pharmacopoeia. 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  161 

U.  S.  S. — United  States  Senate,  United  States  Ship, 
United  States  Steamer. 

U.  S.  S.  C.  or  Ct.— United  States  Supreme  Court. 

U.  S.  Sig.  Serv. — United  States  Signal  Service. 

U.  S.  S.  S.— United  States  Steamship. 

usu. — Usual,  usually. 

u.  s.  w. — Und  so  welter  (and  so  forth). 

U.  T.  or  Ter.— Utah  Territory. 

ut  diet. — Ut  dictum  (as  directed). 

ux. — Uxor  (wife). 

V. 

V. — Vice,  Victoria. 

V.,  Ven. — Venerable. 

V.,  Vis.,  Vise.,  Visct. — Viscount, 

V.  (VV.,  pi.)— Violin. 

V.,  vol.  (VOLS.,  pi.) — Volunteer. 

v.,  vb. — Verb. 

v.,  ver. — Verse. 

v.,  vs. — Versus  (against). 

v.,  vid. — Vide  (see). 

v.,  vil.— Village. 

v.,  voc. — Vocative. 

v.,  vol.  (VOLS.,  pi.) — Volume. 

V.  A. — Vice-admiral,  (Order  of)  Victoria  (and)  Al- 
bert. 

V.  A.,  Vic.  Ap. — Vicar  Apostolic. 

v.  a. — Verbactive,  vixit  annos  (lived  [so  many] 
years). 

V.  a.,  vb.  a. — Verbal  adjective. 

Va. — Virginia  (official). 

val. — Value. 

var. — Variant,  variety. 

var.  lect. — Varia  lectio  (varying  reading). 

Vat. — Vatican. 

v.  aux. — Verb  auxiliary. 


162  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

vb.  n. — Verbal  noun. 

V.  C. — Vice-chairman,  vice-chancellor,  Victoria  Cross. 

v.  d. — Various  dates. 

v.  def. — Verb  defective. 

v.  dep. — Verb  deponent. 

V.  D.  L. — Van  Dieman's  Land. 

V.  D.  M. — Verbi  Dei  Minister  (Minister  of  the  Word 
of  God). 

Venet. — Venetian. 

Venez. — Venezuela. 

Verm.,  Vt.  (official) — Vermont. 

Vert. — Vetebrata,  vertebrate. 

ves. — Vessel. 

vet.,  veter. — Veterinary. 

Vet.  Surg.,  V.  S. — Veterinary  Surgeon. 

V.  G. — Vice-grand. 

V.  G.,  Vic.  Gen. — Vicar-general. 

v.  g. — Verbi  gratia  (for  example). 

v.  i. — Verb  intransitive. 

Vice  Pres.,  V.  P. — Vice-president. 

v.  imp. — Verb  impersonal. 

v.  irr. — Verb  irregular. 

viz. — Videlicet  (to  wit,  namely). 

y.  M.— (Same  as  M.  V.) 

V.  M.  D.— (Same  as  D.  V.  M.) 

v.  n. — Verb  neuter. 

vocab. — Vocabulary. 

vole. — Volcano. 

V.  E. — Victoria  Regina  (Queen  Victoria). 

V.  E.,  V.  Eev. — Very  Eeverend. 

v.  r. — Verb  reflexive. 

V.  E.  P. — Vestra  Eeverendissima  Paternitas  (Your 
Very  Eeverend  Paternity). 

v.  s. — Volte  subito  (turn  over  quickly). 

v.  t. — Verb  transitive. 

vul.,  vulg. — Vulgar,  vulgarly. 

Vul.,  Vulg.— Vulgate. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  163 

w.  11. — Variae  lectiones  (various  readings). 
V.  W.— Very  Worshipful, 
v.  y. — Various  years. 

W. 

W.— Warden,  Welsh,  West,  Western,  Wolfram. 

W.,  We.,  Wed. — Wednesday. 

W.,  Wm.— William. 

w. — (Naut.  log-book)  wet  dew,  wife. 

w.,  wk. — Week. 

W.  A. — West  Africa,  West  Australia. 

Wash. — Washington  (State:  official). 

W.  B.— Water  Board,  way-bill. 

W.  B.  M. — Women's  Board  of  Missions. 

W.  C. — Wesley  an  Chapel,  without  charge. 

W.  C.  A. — Women's  Christian  Association. 

W.  C.  T.  U. — Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union. 

Westm. — Westminster. 

w.  f .,  wf. — Wrong  font. 

W.  G.— Worthy  Grand. 

W.  Ger. — West  Germanic. 

whf.— Wharf. 

W.  I. — West  India,  West  Indies. 

Wis.  (official),  Wise. — Wisconsin. 

Wisd. — Wisdom  (book  of). 

W.  L. — Wave-length. 

W.  Ion. — West  longitude. 

W.  M. — Worshipful  Master. 

W.  &  M. — William  and  Mary  (King  and  Queen). 

W.  N.  W.— West-northwest. 

Wp. — Worship. 

W.  P.— Worthy  Patriarch. 

Wpful.— Worshipful. 

W.  R.,  W.  Rex.— King  William. 

W.  S.— West  Saxon,  Writer  to  the  Signet. 

W.  S.  W.— West-southwest. 


164  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

wt. — Weight. 

W.  Va.— West  Virginia  (official). 

Wyo. — Wyoming  (official). 


X.,  Xt.— (Gr.  form  of  Ch.,  Christos)  Christ. 

X. — Xavier. 

xcp. — Without  coupon. 

xd.,  xdiv.— Without  dividend. 

Xdr. — Crusader. 

Xen. — Xenophon. 

Xn.,  Xmas. — Christmas. 

Xn.,  Xtian. — Christian. 

Xnty.,  Xty. — Christianity. 

Xper.,  Xr. — Christopher. 

Y. 

y.,  yd.  (YDS.,  pi.) — Yard. 

y.,  yr.  (YES.,  pL) — Year. 

Y.  B.,  Yr.  B.— Year-book. 

Y.  M.  C.  A. — Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

Y.  M.  Cath.  A. — Young  Men's  Catholic  Association. 

Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.— Young  People's  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor. 

yr. — Younger,  your. 

Y.  W.  C.  A. — Young  Women's  Christian  Association. 

Y.  W.  C.  T.  U.— Young  Women's  Christian  Temper- 
ance Union. 

Z. 

Z.  G. — Zoological  Garden. 
Zn. — Zinc. 

zoogeog. — Zoogeography, 
zool. — Zoology,  zoological. 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH  165 

ABBREVIATIONS   OF  THE   MONTHS. 

January — Jan. 
February — Feb. 
March — Mar.* 
April — Apr.* 
May — None. 
June — None. 
July — None. 
August — Aug. 
September — Sep.  or  Sept. 
October — Oct. 
November — Nov. 
December — Dec. 

ABBREVIATIONS    OF   THE    STATES. 

The  following  are  the  correct  abbreviations  of  the 
names  of  the  states : 

Alabama — Ala. 
/Arizona — Ariz. 

Arkansas — Ark. 

California— Gal.  or  Calif. 
/Colorado— Col.  or  Colo.  (Colo,  is  preferable). 

Connecticut — Conn,  or  Ct. 

Delaware — Del. 
/District  of  Columbia— D.  C. 

Florida— Fla. 

Georgia — Ga. 

Illinois— 111.  or  Ills. 

Indiana — Ind. 
J  Indian  Territory — Ind.  T. 

Kansas — Kan.,  Kans.,  or  Kas. 
/  Kentucky — Ky . 

Louisiana — La. 
4  Maine — Me. 

*  It  is  better  form  to  write  March  and  April  in  full. 


166  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

Maryland — Md. 
Massachusetts — Mass. 
Michigan — Mich. 
Minnesota — Minn. 
^Mississippi — Miss. 
^Missouri — Mo. 
yMontana — Mont. 
i/Nebraska — Neb.  or  Nebr. 
Nevada — Nev. 
New  Hampshire — N.  H. 
New  Jersey — N.  J. 
New  Mexico — N.  M. 
New  York— N.  Y. 
North  Carolina— N.  C. 
North  Dakota— N.  Dak. 
Oklahoma — Okla. 
Oregon — Ore. 
Pennsylvania — Pa. 
Ehode  Island— R.  I. 
South  Carolina— S.  C. 
South  Dakota— S.  Dak. 
Tennessee — Tenn. 
Texas— Tex. 
Vermont — Vt. 
Virginia — Va. 
Washington — "Wash. 
West  Virginia — W.  Va. 
Wisconsin — Wis. 
Wyoming — Wyo. 
British  Columbia— B.  C. 
New  Brunswick — N.  B. 
Nova  Scotia— N.  S. 
Ontario — Ont. 
Quebec — Q.,  Que. 
Idaho,  Iowa,  Ohio  and  Utah  should  not  be  abbreviated. 


THE  HYPHEN 

The  hyphen  is  a  short  dash  used  to  join  words  that  do 
not  sufficiently  coalesce  to  form  one  word,  but  that  are 
too  closely  connected  in  meaning  to  form  two  separate 
words;  thus: 

Door-knob,  dancing-master,  twenty-one,  three-fifths, 
3-inch  board,  2^-inch  pole,  to-day,  to-night,  to-morrow, 
Anglo-Saxon,  Sadler-Rowe  Publishing  Company,  com- 
mander-in-chief. 

Note. — In  many  instances,  usage  varies  as  to  the  em- 
ployment of  the  hyphen,  and,  in  consequence,  it  is  difficult 
to  give  specific  rules  for  the  compounding  of  words; 
thus :  school-house  is  written  with  the  hyphen  or  as  one 
word,  schoolhouse.  The  following  rules,  however,  are 
universally  observed  by  careful  writers: 

Eule  1.  Temporary  compounds  are  hyphenated; 
thus: 

(a)  An  adjective  modifier  consisting  of  an  adjective 
and  a  noun,  an  adjective  and  a  participle,  two  adjectives, 
or  an  adverb  and  a  participle;  as:  "The  took  an  eight- 
mile  drive  in  the  evening"  (an  adjective  and  a  noun); 
"His  far-seeing  eyes  rested  on  her  face"  (an  adjective 
and  a  participle) ;  "He  had  the  half-barbaric  superiority 
of  the  aristocrat"  (two  adjectives);  "The  stranger 
bowed  with  well-bred  deference"  (an  adverb  and  a  parti- 
ciple). 

Note. — Half  when  used  with  either  another  adjective, 
a  participle,  or  an  adverb,  is  connected  with-it  by  a  hy- 
phen; thus:  half-barbaric  superiority  (two  adjectives); 


*From  CORRECT  ENGLISH:     A  COMPLETE  GRAMMAR. 


168  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

half-frightened  voice  (adjective  and  participle) ;  half- 
hourly  intervals  (adjective  and  adverb) ;  half -inch  space 
(adjective  and  noun). 

Well  and  ill  when  used  with  a  participle  to  form  an 
adjective  modifier,  are  always  joined  to  the  participle  by 
a  hyphen;  but  when  used  merely  to  modify  a  participle 
in  the  predicate,  the  hyphen  is  not  employed;  thus:  "A 
w ell-mannered  young  man;"  "An  ill-behaved  child,"  but 
"The  young  man  was  well  mannered;"  "The  child  was 
ill  behaved."  Self  when  used  with  an  adverb,  a  noun, 
or  another  adjective,  is  always  connected  with  it  by  a 
hyphen;  thus:  self-confident,  or  self-assertive  (two 
adjectives) ;  self-asserting  (adjective  and  participle) ; 
self-confidently  (adjective  and  adverb) ;  self-command 
(adjective  and  noun). 

(b)  A  phrase  forming  a  temporary  compound  is 
hyphenated;  thus:  "A  never-to-be-forgotten  event;" 
"An  I-told-you-so  expression;"  "An  unlooked-for 
visitor. ' ' 

Eule  2.  The  hyphen  is  used  when,  by  its  omission,  an 
entirely  different  meaning  would  be  conveyed;  thus: 

Bird's-eye  (plant);  dog's-tooth  (grass). 

Note  that  bird's  eye  or  dog's  tooth  written  without 
the  hyphen  would  convey  a  different  meaning. 

Eule  3.  The  hyphen  is  used  to  divide  words  into  the 
syllables  of  which  they  are  composed,  as  when  giving  the 
pronunciation  of  a  word,  or  when  carrying  a  syllable  to 
the  next  line. 

This  division  of  words  in  syllables  is  known  as 
syllabication.  The  following  are  the  most  important 
principles  to  be  observed: 

(a)  Words  should  be  divided,  when  possible,  accord- 
ing to  their  pronunciation,  all  letters  necessary  to  the 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH  169 

pronunciation  of  each  syllable  being  given ;  thus :  sis-ter; 
brotk-er;  moth-er;  cous-in;  ~hap-py;  an-gel-ic. 

(b)  Words   should  be   divided   according  to   their 
derivation,  so  as  to  separate  the  prefix,  the  suffix,  or  the 
grammatical  ending  from  the  rest  of  the  word;  thus: 
re-mem-ber;  re-solve;  wid-ow;  win-dow;  sin-ful;  soul-ful. 

(c)  When  the  derivation  and  the  pronunciation  con- 
flict, then  precedence  should  be  given  to  the  latter ;  thus : 
rep-re-sent   (not  re-pre-sent) ;  ho-me-op-a-thy   (not  Tio- 
me-o-path-y) . 

Note  that  the  syllables  are  divided  in  accordance  with 
the  pronunciation,  but  contrary  to  the  derivation  of  the 
words ;  thus,  according  to  the  derivation  of  represent,  the 
prefix  re  should  be  separated  from  the  word  presentf 
whereas  the  word  is  divided  in  conformity  with  its  pro- 
nunciation, which  makes  the  vowel  short  in  the  syllable 
rep. 

(d)  When  two  or  more  vowels  are  placed  together 
to  form  a  diphthong  or  a  triphthong,  as  the  case  may  be, 
they  must  not  be  separated;  as,  loy-al;  joy-ous;  but  when 
two  or  more  vowels  placed  together  do  not  form  a  diph- 
thong or  a  triphthong,  the  vowels  may  be  divided;  thus: 
a-e-ri-form;  co-or-di-nate. 

(e)  Two  consonants  or  two  aspirates  or  a  consonant 
and  an  aspirate  are  usually  separated,  unless  kept  to- 
gether by  the  operation  of  some  other  rule,  as,  for  ex- 
ample, in  paragraph  b;  thus:  col-lect;  col-lar;  hat-ter; 
en-ter,  but  (b)  post-age;  west-ern. 

Note. — There  are  several  specific  rules  given  by  gram- 
marians relatively  to  the  placing  of  consonants,  but  they 
are,  in  the  main,  embodied  in  the  foregoing  rules ;  thus : 
the  rule  that  a  single  consonant  coming  between  two 
vowel  sounds,  must  be  placed  with  the  first  vowel  if  the 


170  CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 

sound  of  the  vowel  is  to  be  shortened,  is  embodied  in  the 
paragraph  a,  words  should  be  divided  according  to  their 
pronunciation;  for  example,  in  the  word  study  (or 
studies)  the  consonant  d  is  placed  with  the  first  vowel, 
stud-y  (stud-ies),  while  in  the  word  student,  the  con- 
sonant d  is  placed  with  the  second  vowel,  stu-dent. 


BUSINESS 

COMPOUND  WORDS:    HOW  TO 
HYPHENATE  THEM 

Note. — The  following  list  of  compound  words,  alpha- 
betically arranged,  shows  when  the  hyphen  is  required, 
and  when  it  is  not.* 

The  words  in  italics  are  not  hyphenated: 


able-bodied 

adjutant-general 

adjutants-general 

advance-guard 

afterthought 

afterward  or 

afterwards 

aide-de-camp 

aides-de-camp 

air-brake 

air-castle 

air-cell 

air-chamber 

air-cushion 

air-cylinder 

air-duct 

air-gage 

air-gun 

air-pump 

a  la  carte 

Written  as  three 
distinct  words;  din- 
ner a  la  carte,  mean- 
ing "by  the  card." 

alamode 

In  the   fashion. 


alarm-clock 
all  right 

Written      as 
words. 

Anglo-American 

Anglo-Catholic 

Anglo-Danish 

Anglo-French 

Anglo-Indian 

Anglo-Irish 

Anglo-Norman 

Anglo-Saxon 

ankle-deep 

antechamber 

antedate 

antemeridian 

ante-mortem 

anybody 

anyhow 

any  one 

Usually    written    i 

two  words. 
anything 
anyway 
anywhere 
archbishop 


archchamberlain 
arm's-length 
two    arm's-reach 
army-corps 
audit-house 
audit-office 
backward  or 
backwards 
backwood 
backwoods 
backwoodsman 
baggage-car 
balance-sheet 

Term  used  in  book- 
keeping. 

balance-wheel 

ball-bearing 

ball-lever 

ballot-box 

balustrade 

bank-book 

bank-credit 

banquet-hall 

banquet-house 

barefaced 


"Compiled  from  the  Century  Dictionary  by  the  author. 


172 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


barrel-bayonet 

base-ball 

base-board 

basement-story 

basket-wood 

basketwork 

basso-rilievo 

bass-relief  or 

bas-relief 

basswood 

bath-tub 

bath-room 

battering-gun 

battering-ram 

battering-train 

battle-ax 

battle-cry 

battle-field 

bay-leaf 

bay-rum 

bay-window 

beam-board 

beam-line 

beam-sheller 

bearing-rein 

bearskin' 

beau-ideal 

beau  monde 

(Two  words.) 

bed-linen 

bed-lounge 

bedpost 

bedridden 

bed-rock 

bedroom 

bedside 

bed-spring 


bedstone 

beechnut 

bee-culture 

beef-cattle 

beef-herd 

beefsteak 

beehive 

bee-line 

beeswax 

beet-press 

beforehand 

bel  esprit 

(Two  words.)  A 
fine  genius  or  man 
of  wit. 

beaux  esprit s  (pi) 

Pronounced  boz  es- 
pre. 

bellelettrist 

Same   as   belletrist. 

belles-lettres 

Polite  or  elegant 
litera  t  u  r  e.  P  r  o  - 
nounced  bel  let'r. 

belletrist 

One  devoted  to  bel- 
les-lettres. 

bellettristic 

Pertaining  to  belles- 
lettres. 

bell-buoy 

bell-hanger 

bell-metal 

bell-mouthed 

bell-shaped 

bell-tower 

belt-coupling 

belt-lacing 

belt-pipe 

belt- screw 


belt-shifter 
belt-tightener 
bench-clamp 
bench-drill 
bench-level 
bench-plane 
bench- screw 
bench-shears 
bench-show 
bench-warrant 
berth-deck 
bevel-angle 
bevel-gear 
beveling-board 
beveling-machine 
bevel- jack 
bevel-square 
bilge-water 
bill-board 
bill-book 
billet-doux 
billet-head 
billets-doux 
bill-head 
billiard-ball 
billiard-cloth 
billiard-cue 
billiard-table 
bill-poster 
bio-bibliographi- 
cal 

Treating  of  or  deal- 
ing with  both  the 
life  and  the  writ- 
ings of  an  author. 

birch-broom 
bird-cage 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


173 


bird-catcher 

bird-fancier 

bird-seed 

bird's-eye 

bird's-nest 

birthday 

birth-mark 

birthplace 

birth-rate 

birthright 

bishophood 

bishop-sleeve 

bit-pincers 

bit-stock 

bit- strap 

blackball 

blackberry 

blackboard 

black-lead 

(noun) 

blacklead  (verb) 

To  cover  with  black- 
lead. 

black-letter 

Name  of  Gothic  or 
Old  English  letter. 

black-list   (noun) 
blacklist  (verb) 
blackmail 

(noun  or  verb.) 

black-pigment 

blacksmith 

blade-metal 

blameworthy 

blanc-mange 

or 

blanc-manger 
blank-book 


blanket-clause 

A  general  clause 
framed  so  as  to  pro- 
vide for  a  number 
of  contingencies. 

blanket-deposit 

A  kind  of  ore  de- 
posit. 

blanket-mortgage 

blast-engine 

blast-furnace 

blasting-cartridge 

blasting-fuse  $ 

blasting-gelatin 

blasting-needle 

blasting-oil 

blasting-tube 

blast-lamp 

blast-pipe 

The  exhaust  pipe  of 
a  steam-engine. 

bleaching-liquid 
bleaehin'g-powder 
blear-eyed 
blendcorn 

Wheat  and  rye  sown 
together. 

bleu-de-roi 

In  ceramics,  the 
name  given  to  the 
cobalt-blue  color  in 
European  porcelain. 

blindfold 

blind-ink 
A  writing  ink  for 
the  use  of  blind  per- 
sons. On  being  ap- 
plied to  paper  it 
swells,  forming 
raised  characters 
which  can  be  read 
by  the  touch. 


blindstitch 

blockade-runner 

block-bond 

Term  used  in  brick- 
laying. 

block-coal 

A  kind  of  coal. 

blockhouse 

A  detached  fort. 

block-tin 
blood-cell 

A  blood  corpuscle, 
blood-heat 
bloodhound 
blood-poisoning 
blood-red 
blood-relation 
bloodshed 
blood-stain 
bloodstone 
bloodthirsty 
blood-vessel 
blood-warm 
blotting-pad 
blowpipe 
bluecoat 
blue-eyed 
blue-grass 

A   kind    of  grass. 

blue-grass  region 
blue-jacket 

In  the  naval  serv- 
ice, a  sailor  as  dis- 
tinguished from  a 
marine;  so  called 
from  the  color  of 
his  jacket. 

blue-laws 

(The  blue-laws  of 
Connecticut.) 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


blue-mass 

A  drug. 

blue-stocking 

A  literary  woman. 

blunderbuss 

A  short  gun. 

boa-constrictor 

boarding-house 

boarding-school 

board-wages 

boat-builder 

boat-hook 

boat-house 

boatman 

boat-racing 

boatswain 

boatwright 

A  boat-builder. 

bob-sled 

bob-sleigh 

bobstay 

bock-beer 

body-guard 

body-servant 

bog-earth 

bogie-engine 

bog-land 

bog-oak 

bog-wood 

Same  as  bog-oak, 
boiler-iron 
boiler-plate 
boiler-shop 
boiling-point 
bolting-cloth 
bomb-proof 

Strong  enough  to  re- 
sist the  explosive 
force  of  shells. 


bombshell 

Same    as    bomb. 

bon  accord 

(Two  words.)  Agree- 
ment or  good  will. 

bona  fide 

(Two  words.)  Good 
faith. 

bonbon 

A  s  -gar  plum. 

bondholder 
bond-paper 

A  kind  of  paper 
used  for  printing 
bonds. 

bondsman 

One  man  who  by 
bond  becomes  surety 
for  another. 

bondsman  (pi.) 
boneless 
bone-phosphate 
bone-yard 
bon  jour 

(Two  words.)  Good- 
day;  good-morning. 

bon  mot 

(Two  words.)  A 
witticism. 

bonne  bouche 

A   dainty   morsel. 

bon  soir 

(Two  words.)  Good- 
evening;  good-night. 

bon-ton 

Good  tone ;  polite  or 
fashionable  society. 

book-account 
bookbinder 
bookbinder^ 
book-binding 


bookcase 

A  case  with  shelves 
for  books. 

book-case 

In   law,   a  recorded 
case. 

book-holder 

bookkeeper 

bookkeeping 

book-learning 

book-lore 

book-mark 

book-notice 

book-rack 

bookseller 

book-store 

book-worm 

boot-black 

bootjack 

boot-lace 

boot-last 

bootmaker 

boot-pattern 

boot-stretcher 

border-land 

boring-machine 

bowie-knife 

bow-knot 

A  kind  of  slip-knot. 

bowling-alley 

bowling-green 

bowstring 

box-car 

boxing-glove 

boxing-match 

box-money 

box-office 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


175 


box-plait 

A    double    fold    or 
plait. 


A  seat  in  a  theater- 
box  or  on  the  box 
of  a  coach. 

boyhood 
brain-cavity 

One  of  the  venticles 
of  the  brain,  the  in- 
terior of  the  cra- 
nium or  skull  con- 
taining the  brain. 

brain-fag 

Mental  fatigue,  as 
from  overwork. 

brain-fever 

brainless 

brain-work 

brakeman 

brake-wheel 

branding-iron 

brand-new 

or 

bran-new 
brass-band 
brass-bars 
brass-founder 
brass-furnace 
brazen-faced 
bread-basket 
bread-knife 
breadwinner 
breakdown 
breakfast 
breakwater 
breast-bone 
breastpin 
breastplate 


breastwork 

breathing-place 

breathing-space 

breathless 

breeches-buoy 

Apparatus  used  in 
the  life-saving  serv- 
ice. 

breech-loader 
bric-a-brac 


brick-dust 

brick-kiln 

bricklayer 

brick-mason 

brick-press 

Same    as    brick-ma- 
chine. 

brick-yard 

bridegroom 

bridesmaid 

or 

bridemaid 
bridewell 
bridle-path 
bridle-rein 
brigadier-general 
brimstone 
broadbrimmed 
broadcast 
broadcloth 
broad-gage 
broad-shouldered 
broadside 

The  whole  side  of  a 
ship. 

broad- speaking 
broad-spoken 


broadsword 

broken-hearted 

broken-winded 

Having  short  breath. 

bronze-gold 

broom-corn 

broom-grass 

broomstick 

brotherhood 

brother-in-law 


brownstone 

A     kind     of     sand- 
stone. 

brush-wheel 

brushwood 

buckboard 

bucket-shop 

buck- saw 

buck-shot 

buckskin 

buckwheat 

buffalo-gnat 

buffalo-robe 

buffer-bar 

bugbear 

buggy-plow 

bugle-call 

building-block 

Block  used  in  ship- 
building. 

building-lease 

A  lease  of  land  for 
a  term  of  years. 

bulldog 
bulletin-board 
bullet-machine 
bullet-mold 


176 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


bullet-probe 
bullet-proof 
bull's-eye 
buoy-rope 

The  rope  which 
fastens  a  buoy  to 
an  anchor. 

burial-ground 

burial-place 

butt-end 

or 
but-end 

The  blunt  end  of 
anything. 

butter-and-eggs 

Name  of  a  plant. 

butter-box 

A  box  or  vessel  for 
butter. 

butter-knife 
butterman 
buttermilk 
butter-mold 

A  mold  in  which 
pats  of  butter  are 
shaped  and  stamped. 

butter-tub 

button-fastener 

buttonhole 

button-hook 

buzz-saw 

bygone 

Past. 

by-play 

bystander 

cablegram 

Colloquial  term  for 
telegram. 

cabman 
calfskin 


call-button 
call-loan 

A  loan  of  money  re- 
payable on  demand. 

camp-stool 

cannel-coal 

cannon-ball 

can-opener 

cap-a-pie 

captain-general 

carbon-paper 

carbon-print 

car-brake 

car-coupling 

card-basket 

cardboard 

card-case 

card-index 

card-rack 

card-table 

cardtaker 

carpet-sweeper 

carriage-piece 

carriageway 

car- spring 

cart-load 

carving-fork 

carving-knife 

case-knife 

case-lock 

cash-account 

cash-book 

cash-boy 

cash-credit 

cash-day 

cast-gate 

casting-net 


cast-iron 
castle-builder 
cast-off 
castor-oil 
casus  belli 

(Two    words.) 

catch-basin 
catch- drain 
catchword 
cats-paw 

or 

catspaw 
cattle-pen 
cattle-range 
cattle-show 
causeway 
cavalryman 
cave-dweller 
censorship 
center-board 
centerpiece 
center-table 
century-plant 
cesspool 
chafing-dish 
chain-gang 
chairman 
chalk-line 
chalkstone 
chamber-council 
chambermaid 
chancellorship 
chancel-rail 
chancel-table 
changing-house 
chaplainship 
chapter-house 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


177 


charcoal-drawing 

chimney-top 

clock-case 

charcoal-pit 

chimneypiece 

clock-maker 

charewoman 

chimney-sweep 

clockwork 

chariot-race 

or 

clodhopper 

charity-school 

chimney-sweeper 

clothes-basket 

charnel-house 

Chinaman 

clothes-brush 

charwoman 

chinaware 

clothes-horse 

chatterbox 

chin-strap 

clothes-line 

checker-board 

chisel-point 

clothes-pin 

checkerwork 

chit-chat 

clothes-press 

checkmate 

church-goer 

clothes-  sprinkler 

check-rein 

church-going 

cloud-burst 

check-valve 

churchman 

cloud-capped 

cheek-bone 

church-member 

or 

cheese-cloth 

cigar-case 

cloud-capt 

cheese-knife 

clamp-iron 

cloudless 

cheese-maker 

clam-shell 

club-house 

cheesemonger 

clansman 

clubman 

chef-d'oeuvre 

clasp-hook 

club-room 

chemico-electric 

clasp-knife 

coach-fox 

chemico  galvanic 

clasp-lock 

coach-dog 

chess-board 

class-fellow 

coachmaker 

chessman 

class-leader 

coachman 

chess-player 

classman 

coal-bed 

chest-measure 

classmate 

coal-bin 

chest-tone 

clay-colored 

coal-car 

or 

claymore 

coal-carrier 

chest-voice 

clear-cut 

coal-field 

cheval-glass 

clear-headed 

coal-gas 

chewing-gum 

clearing-house 

coal-hod 

chicken-pox 

clear-sighted 

coal-oil 

chief  -justiceship 

clergyman 

coal-pit 

chieftainship 

clerkship 

coal-tar 

childhood 

clientship 

cobblestone 

childless 

clingstone 

cocoanut 

child-wife 

clinkstone 

or 

chimney-corner 

cloak-room 

coconut 

178 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


codfish 

coffee-cup 

coffee-mill 

coffee-pot 

commander-in- 
chief 

commissary- 
agent 

commi  s  s  ary-gen- 
eral 

commissary-ser- 
geant 

commission-mer- 
chant 

committeeman 

congressman 

construction-way 

consulate-general 

contrary-minded 

cool-headed 

copperplate 

coppersmith 

copy-book 

copyhold 

copyholder 

copying-ink 

copying-machine 

copying-paper 

copying-pencil 

copying-ribbon 

copyright 

corkscrew 

corn-bread 

corn-cake 

corn-cob 

corn-field 

corn-fritter 


corn-law 

cotton-mill 

cotton-picker 

council-board 

council-chamber 

councilman 

counting-house 

counting-room 

country-bred 

countryman 

countrywoman 

country-seat 

county- seat 

coupling-valve 

court-yard 

court-plaster 

cowhide 

cow-killer 

cowpox 

crab-apple 

cubbyhole 

cup- and- saucer 

cupboard 

darning-needle 

daughter-in-law 

daybreak 

day-labor 

day-laborer 

daylight 

deadhead 

dead-line 

dead-lock 

or 

deadlock 
death-agony 
death-bell 
death-dance 


death-mask 

death-point 

death-rate 

death-trap 

death-warrant 

death-wound 

deck-hand 

deck-passenger 

deed-box 

deep-seated 

Deo  volente 

(God   willing.) 

deposit-receipt 
dessert-spoon 
diamond-cutter 
dinner-table 
downtrodden 
draft-book 
draftsman 
drainage-tube 
draining-machine 
draining-pump 
drain-pipe 
drawback 
drawbridge 
drawing-board 
drawing-master 
drawing-materi- 
als 

drawing-room 
drayman 
dreamland 
dr  e  dging-machine 
dress-circle 
dress-coat 
dress-goods 
dressing-gown 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


179 


dressmaker 

dress-parade 

dress-uniform 

drift-ice 

driftweed 

driftwood 

drilling-machine 

drill-master 

drill-plow 

drill-press 

drill-sergeant 

dripstone 

driveway 

drop-curtain 

drop-light 

drum-call 

drumhead 

drum-major 

drumstick 

dry-as-dust 

dry-cure 

dry-dock 

dry-goods 

drying-house 

due-bill 

dugout 

dumb-bell 

dumb-waiter 

dump-cart 

dunghill 

dust-storm 

Dutchman 

duty-free 

D-valve 

dwelling-house 

dwelling-place 

dye-house 


dyestuff 
dynamite-gun 
eagle-eyed 
ear-drum 
earmark 
earnest-money 
ear-ring 
ear-shot 
earth-born 
earthenware 
earthly-minded 
earthquake 
earthwork 
ear-trumpet 
ear-witness 
East-Indiaman 
easy-chair 
eating-house 
eavesdropper 
ebb-anchor 
ebb-tide 
eccentric-gear 
edge-rail 
edging-machine 
eduction-pipe 
egg-beater 
egg-shell 
egg-tester 
eider-down 
eider-duck 
elbow-room 
elf-fire 
elf-land 
elsewhere 
embossing-ma- 
chine 
embossing-press 


emery-paper 

emery-powder 

emery-wheel 

empty-handed 

enamel-painting 

engine-house 

engine-room 

Englishman 

Englishwoman 

ensign-bearer 

entrance-hall 

epoch-making 

equalizing-bar 

equilibrium-  s  cale 

equilibrium- valve 

escape-valve 

etching-needle 

evaporating-pan 

even  fall 

evergreen 

everlasting 

ever-living 

everybody 

every-day 

every  one 

(Two  words.) 

everything 
examination- 
paper 

exclamation- 
mark 

exclamation-point 
exhaust-chamber 
exhaust-fan 
exhaust-nozzle 
exhaust-valve 
expansion-valve 


180 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


express-bullet 

express-car 

expressman 

express-train 

express-wagon 

extension  table 

eyeball 

eyebrow 

eye-glass 

eyehole 

eyelash 

eyelet-hole 

eyelid 

eyesight 

eye-tooth 

eye-witness 

face-card 

face-guard 

face-plate 

face-valve 

fag-end 

faint-heart 

faint-hearted 

fair-gronnd 

fair-weather 

fairy-land 

faith-cure 

faith-healer 

falcon-eyed 

falling-star 

fallow  deer 

false-faced 

falsehood 

fancy  store 

fancy  work 

fan- jet 

fanning-mill 


farewell 
far-fetched 
farm-building 
farm-hand 
farm-house 
farmstead 
farm-yard 
fashion-piece 
fashion-plate 
fast-day 
father-in-law 
fatherland 
fathom-line 
fatigue-call 
fatigue-dress 
fatigue-duty 
feast-day 
feather-bed 
feeble-minded 
feed-motion 
feed-pipe 
feed-pump 
felling- axe 
felling-machine 
fellow-being 
fellow-citizen 
fellow-country- 
man 

fellow-creature 
fellow-man 
felt-cloth 
femme-de- 
chambre 
fencing- school 
ferry-boat 
ferryman 
fete-day 


fever-blister 

fever-heat 

field-artillery 

field-battery 

field-colors 

field-day 

field-glass 

field-gun 

field-marshal 

field-telegraph 

fiend-like 

figurehead 

file-mark 

filigree-work 

fine-cut 

finger-bowl 

finger-mark 

finger-tip 

finishing-press 

finishing-tool 

finnan-haddock 

fire-alarm 

firearm 

fire-bell 

fire-boat 

fire-box 

firebrand 

fire-brick 

fire-brigade 

fire-bucket 

fire-clay 

fire-company 

fire-cracker 

fire-damp 

fire-department 

fire-engine 

fire-escape 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


181 


fire-extinguisher 

firefly 

fire-insurance 

firelight 

fireman 

fireplace 

fire-plug 

fire-proof 

fireside 

fire-trap 

fire-wood 

fireworks 

fire-worship 

first-begotten 

first-class 

first-fruit 

first-rate 

fish-bait 

fish-culture 

fisher-boat 

fisher  folk 

fisherman 

fishing-banks 

fishing-ground 

fishing-net 

fishing-rod 

fishing-smack 

fishing-tackle 

fish-market 

fishmonger 

fish-pond 

fish-roe 

fish- scale 

fish-torpedo 

fishwife 

five-fingered 

five- spot 


flag-bearer 

flag-captain 

flag-lieutenant 

flagman 

flag-officer 

flag- ship 

flagstaff 

flag-station 

flagstone 

flash-light 

flatboat 

Flathead 

flat-iron 

flaxseed 

fleet-footed 

flesh-color 

flesh-tint 

fleur-de-lis 

flint-glass 

flint-lock 

flintstone 

flintware 

floating-lever 

flood-cock 

flood-gate 

flood-mark 

flood-tide 

flour-barrel 

flour-mill 

flour- sifter 

flower-pot 

flow-ice 

flue-boiler 

fluting-machine 

flying- shot 

fly-blister 

flying-machine 


fly-leaf 

flyman 

fly-net 

fly-rail 

fly-tent 

fly-wheel 

fob-chain 

focusing-glass 

foeman 

fog-bank 

fog-bell 

fog-bound 

fog-horn 

fog- signal 

folding-machine 

foliage-plant 

folk-lore 

folk-song 

foolhardy 

foolscap 

football 

foot-board 

foot-bridge 

footfall 

foot-gear 

foot-hill 

foothold 

footlights 

foot-line 

footman 

foot-note 

foot-path 

foot-press 

footprint 

foot-race 

foot-rule 

foot-screw 


182 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


foot-sore 

footstep 

footstool 

foot-worn 

forcemeat 

force-pump 

fore-and-aft 

forearm 

fore-deck 

forefather 

foreground 

forehead 

foreman 

foremast 

forenoon 

forepart 

foresail 

fore-sheet 

foresight 

forestall 

forest-tree 

forethought 

foretop 

foretopman 

foretopmast 

for  ever 

forthcoming 

fortnight 

forty-five 

forty-knot 

forty-niner 

foster-child 

foster-land 

foster-nurse 

foster-parent 

foundation-stoke 

foundryman 


fountainhead 

fountain-pen 

fourfold 

four-poster 

fourscore 

fourth-class 

fowling-piece 

foxhound 

fox-hunt 

frame-house 

framework 

free-born 

freedman 

free-lance 

freeman 

Freemason 

freethinker 

free-trade 

free-will 

freezing-point 

freight-car 

freight-house 

freight-train 

Frenchman 

Frenchwoman 

fresco-painting 

fresh-blown 

freshman 

fresh-water 

fretwork 

friction-balls 

friction-gearing 

friction-match 

friction-wheel 

frigate-bird 

frock-coat 

frontiersman 


frost-line 

frostwork 

frou-frou 

fruit-culture 

fuel-gas 

full- armed 

full-back 

full-blood 

full-dress 

furrowing-ma- 

chine 
fuse-gage 
fusel-oil 
fusil-mortar 
fusing-point 
gable-end 
gable -window 
gala-day 
gala-dress 
galley-fire 
galley-proof 
galley-slave 
galley-work 
gallows-frame 
gall-stone 
gambrelroof 
game-bag 
game-fowl 
gamekeeper 
game-law 
gang-drill 
gang-plank 
gangway 
garden-party 
garden-plot 
garden-stuff 
garrison -artillery 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


183 


gas-burner 

gas-company 

gas-compressor 

gas-condenser 

gas-engine 

gas-field 

gas-fixture 

gas-lamp 

gas-light 

gas-main 

gas-meter 

gas-plant 

gas-range 

gas-retort 

gas-tank 

gas-water 

gas-works 

gate-keeper 

gateman 

gate-money 

gate-post 

gateway 

gathering-board 

gearing-chain 

gear-wheel 

gem-cutting 

gemel-window 

gentlefolk 

gentleman 

gentlewoman 

germ-disease 

ghost- story 

giant-powder 

gift-horse 

gig-saddle 

gig-saw 

gilt-edged 


ginger-ale 

gingerbread 

gin-house 

glass-blower 

glass-metal 

glassware, 

glass-works 

glee-club 

gleeman 

glow-lamp 

glue-pot 

gluten-bread 

goatskin 

go-cart 

godchild 

godfather 

God-fearing 

God-forsaken 

godlike 

godmother 

God  'a-acre 

gold-bearing 

gold-dust 

(properly 

golddust) 
goldenrod 
goldfish 
gold-foil 
gold-leaf 
gold-mine 
gold-note 
goldsmith 
golf-club 
good-by 
good-evening 
good-morning 
good-night 


goodwife 

good-will 

gooseberry 

goose-flesh 

goose-quill 

gouge-bit 

governor-general 

grain-car 

grain-mill 

grain- scale 

grain-tin 

grain-weevil 

grammar-school 

grandchild 

grand-duke 

grandfather 

grandmother 

granite-ware 

granulating- 
machine 

grape-shot 

grass-green 

grass-grown 

grass-linen 

gravel-pit 

gravestone 

graveyard 

great-grand- 
father 

greenback 

greengrocer 

greenhouse 

greenroom 

grill-room 

grinding-machine 

grinding-mill 

grindstone 


184 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


gripman 

gun-wad 

gripsack 

gutta-percha 

grist-mill 

hackman 

groomsman 

hail-fellow 

grotto-work 

hailstone 

ground  floor 

hail-  storm 

ground-hog 

hairbreadth 

ground-line 

haircloth 

ground-rent 

hair-line 

ground-  swell 

hair-spring 

groundwork 

hair-work 

grub-saw 

half-and-half 

guard-boat 

half-breed 

guard-duty 

half-brother 

guard-house 

half-dime 

guard-irons 

half-dollar 

guard-mounting 

half-hour 

guard-rail 

half-length 

guesswork 

half-mast 

guest-chamber 

half-measure 

guide-bar 

half  -mo  on 

guide-book 

half-pay 

guide-post 

half-price 

guide-ropes 

half-shell 

guildhall 

half-sister 

guinea-fowl 

half-sole 

gunboat 

half-way 

gun-carriage 

half-year 

guncotton 

hallway 

gunny-bags 

halyard-rack 

gunny-cloth 

hand-bag 

gunpowder 

handbill 

gun-reach 

handbook 

gunshot 

hand-car 

gunsmith 

handcuff 

gun-stock 

hand-glass 

hand-grenade 

handkerchief 

hand-made 

handmaid 

hand-organ 

hand-press 

hand-rail 

hand-saw 

handscrew 

handspring 

hand-to-mouth 

hand-work 

handwriting 

hardware 

headquarters 

headstrong 

headway 

health-officer 

hearsay 

heavy-weight 

henceforth 

hereafter 

hereby 

hereof 

hereupon 

herewith 

herself 

hiding-place 

high-born 

high-bred 

highway 

himself 

hind-foremost 

hindsight 

hinge- joint 

hogshead 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


185 


'holdback 

holystone 

home-coming 

homelike 

home  rule 

homesick 

homespun 

homestead 

homeward-bound 

honey-cell 

honeycomb 

honeymoon 

hoop-iron 

hoop-skirt 

horror-stricken 

horse-artillery 

horseback 

horse-car 

horse-guards 

horsehair 

horse- jockey 

horseman 

horse-race 

horseshoe 

horsewhip 

horsewoman 

hose-cart 

hose-company 

hose-coupling 

hose-reel 

hotbed 

hothouse 

hour-glass 

hour-hand 

hour-line 

house-boat 


household 

housekeeper 

housemaid 

house-physician 

house-surgeon 

housetop 

housewife 

humankind 

hundredweight 

hunting-box 

hunting-ground 

hunting-watch 

huntsman 

hurricane-deck 

husbandman 

husking-bee 

hymn-book 

iceberg 

ice-boat 

ice-cap 

ice-chest 

ice-cold 

ice-cream 

ice-field 

ice-house 

ice-tongs 

ice-wagon 

ice-water 

ideal-realism 

idle-wheel 

idol-worship 

ill-advised 

ill-treat 

inasmuch 

incense-burner 

income 


index-finger 

index-gage 

india-rubber 

indwelling 

infant-class 

infantryman 

ingot-iron 

ingrowing 

inkstand 

inland 

innkeeper 

insect-powder 

inside 

inspector-general 

invalid-chair 

invoice-book 

Irish-American    . 

Irishman 

iron-bound 

iron-clad 

ironclad 

iron-foundry 

iron-gray 

ironing-board 

iron-mould 

iron-rust 

ironsides 

ironwork 

iron-worker 

iron-works 

ivory-black 

ivory-paper 

ivory-white 

ivory-yellow 

jack-knife 

jack-plane 


186 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


jack-rabbit 

jackstone 

jail- delivery 

jamb-post 

jaw-bone 

jet-black 

jockey-club 

j  ointing-machine 

journal-book 

journal-box 

journeyman 

judge-advocate 

judgment-day 

judgment-note 

junk-dealer 

junkman 

junk- shop 

jury-box 

juryman 

keen-witted 

keepsake 

kettledrum 

keyboard 

key-file 

keyhole 

key-note 

keystone 

kindergarten 

kindling-wood 

kingship 

kinsman 

kinswoman 

kitchen-garden 

kitchen-maid 

knapsack 

knee-breeches 

knee-deep 


knickknack 
knife-blade 
knight-errant 
knighthood 
knitting-machine 
labeling-machine 
laboratory-forge 
labor-market 
labor-saving 
labor-union 
lace-making 
lacquer-ware 
ladylike 
lake-dweller 
lambskin 
lamb's  wool 
lampblack 
lamp-chimney 
lamplight 
lamplighter 
lamp-wick 
land-breeze 
land-compass 
landholder 
landlady 
landlocked 
landlord 
landmark 
land-office 
landscape 
landscape-gar- 
dening 

landscape-painter 
landslide 
lap-board 
latch-key 
latch-string 


lath-brick 

latter-day 

lattice- window 

latticework 

laughing-gas 

laundry-maid 

laundryman 

law-abiding 

lawbreaker 

lawmaker 

lawn-mower 

lawn-tennis 

law-officer 

lawsuit 

lay-figure 

layman 

lead-colored 

lead-line 

lead-pencil 

leaf-gold 

leaf-lard 

leaf-mold 

lean-to 

leasehold 

leave-taking 

lecture-room 

ledger-blade 

leeward 

leeway 

left-handed 

legal-tender 

lese-majesty 

letter-box 

letter-carrier 

letter-file 

letter-head 

letter-paper 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


187 


letter-perfect 

letter-press 

level-headed 

lever-engine 

lever- jack 

lieutenant-colonel 

lieutenant-com- 
mander 

lieutenant-gov- 
ernor 

life-belt 

life-boat 

life-car 

life-estate 

life-giving 

life-history 

life-interest 

lifelong 

life-preserver 

life-saving 

life-size 

lifetime 

light-horse 

lighthouse 

lightning-proof 

lime-kiln 

lime-light 

limestone 

lime-wash 

lime-water 

lineman 

linseed 

linseed-oil 

lion-hearted 

lip-language 

lip-reading 

livelong 


liveryman 

livery-stable 

living-room 

load-line 

loan-office 

lock-box 

lockjaw 

lockout 

locksmith 

lock- step 

lodestone 

lodging-house 

logging-camp 

.log  house 

log-roller 

longhand 

long-lived 

long-primer 

long-range 

longshoreman 

long-suffering 

loophole 

love-token 

loving-cup 

Low-German 

lowland 

low-pressure 

lubricating-oil 

lumberman 

lumber-room 

lumber-yard 

lump- sugar 

lynx-eyed 

machine-made 

machine-shop 

madhouse 

madman 


madstone 

magnifying-glass 

mail-bag 

mail-car 

mail-carrier 

mail-catcher 

mailing-machine 

mail-matter 

mail-pouch 

mail-train 

main-deck 

mainland 

mainmast 

main-rigging 

mainsail 

maintopmast 

maintop  sail-yard 

major-general 

make-believe 

makeshift 

malt-house 

manhole 

mankind 

man-of-war 

manor-house 

man-servant 

mansion-house 

manslaughter 

mantelpiece 

mantel- shelf 

manway 

Manxman 

Manxwoman 

market-garden 

market-place 

marking-machine 

marksman 


188 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


marshland 
mass-meeting 
master-at-arms 
masterpiece 
master-stroke 
masthead 
match-box 
match- shooting 
mayloe 
May-pole 
May-queen 
meantime 
meanwhile 
measuring-chain 
measuring-tape 
measuring- wheel 
meat-chopper 
meat-saw 
medicine-chest 
meeting-house 
melting- furnace 
melting-pan 
memorandum- 
book 

memorial-stone 
merry-go-round 
merrymaking 
mess-deck 
mess-table 
metal-casting 
metal-work 
midday 
middle-aged 
middleman 
midland 
Mid-Lent 
midnight 


midshipman 
midstream 
midsummer 
midway 
mile-post 
mile-stone 
milk-can 
milking- stool 
milkmaid 
milkman 
milk-tester 
milk-warm 
mill-dam 
mill-driver 
mill-pond 
mill-race 
mill-wheel 
millwright 
mince-meat 
mind-reader 
mind-transfer- 
ence 

mining-camp 
mining  district 
minute-book 
minute-hand 
minute-man 
miracle-play 
mission-school 
miter-box 
miter- joint 
miter-plane 
miter- square 
mizzenmast 
mock-heroic 
modelling-clay 
modelling-tools 


moderator-lamp 

moleskin 

money-broker 

money-lender 

money-market 

money-matter 

money-order 

monkey-engine 

monkey-hammer 

monkey-wrench 

moonbeam 

moonlight 

moonstone 

moor-grass 

mooring-block 

mooring-post 

moorland 

moreover 

mortar-bed 

mortar-board 

mortar-boat 

mortise-bolt 

mortise-chisel 

mortise-lock 

mortising-ma- 

chine 

mosquito-netting 
moss-agate 
mother-country 
mother-in-law 
mother-lye 
mother-of-pearl 
mother-tongue 
motor-car 
molding-machine 
mound-builder 
mountain-chain 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH 


189 


house-trap 

needle-gun 

moustache-cup 

needlewoman 

mouth-organ 

needlework 

mouthpiece 

nerve-cell 

mowing-machine 

nerve-center 

mud-bath 

nerve-force 

mud-scow 

nerve-tissue 

muley-axle 

nest-egg 

muley-saw 

nevermore 

multiplying-len  s 

nevertheless 

multiplying-wheel 

new-born 

mummy-case 

New-Englander 

mummy-cloth 

New-Mexican 

music-box 

news-agent 

music-hall 

newsboy 

music-stand 

newspaper 

music-stool 

New-year 

musket-proof 

New-Yorker 

musket-  shot 

nickel-plated 

musk-ox 

nickname 

muskrat 

night-bell 

mussel-shell 

nightfall 

mustard-poultice 

night-lamp 

muster-roll 

nightmare 

muzzle-loader 

night-time 

muzzle-strap 

night-watch 

namesake 

night-watchman 

narrow-gage 

ninepins 

native-born 

nobleman 

nature-worship 

noble-minded 

navy-bill 

nobody 

navy-register 

nonesuch 

navy-yard 

noonday 

neck-bearing 

Norseman 

neck-chain 

North-  American 

necklace 

North-  C  ar  olinian 

neckwear 

north-northeast 

north-northwest 

northwest 

nosegay 

note-book 

notion-counter 

notwithstanding 

nowadays 

nowhere 

numbering-ma- 

chine 

nurse-maid 
nutcracker 
nutmeg-grater 
nut-oil 
nutshell 
oar-lock 
oarsman 
oatmeal 
oat-mill 
object-lesson 
object-object 
oblique-angled 
observation-car 
obtuse-angled 
Odd-fellow 
odd-looking 
offhand 
office-holder 
office-seeker 
offset 
offshoot 
offspring 
oftentimes 
oil-can 
oil-cloth 
oil-factory 
oil-gage 


190 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


oil-gland 

outbalance 

oilman 

outbid 

oil-mill 

outbreak 

oil-painting 

outbuilding 

oil-press 

outcast 

oil-refining 

outcome 

oilskin 

outcry 

oil-stove 

outdistance 

oil-tank 

outdoors 

oil-well 

outfit 

olive-branch 

outgeneral 

olive-oil 

outgrow 

on-coming 

outlast 

one-eyed 

outlay 

oneself 

outlook 

onlooker 

outnumber 

open-air 

out-of-doors 

openwork 

outpost 

opera-glass 

outpouring 

opera-house 

outrun 

opera-singer 

outspoken 

operating-table 

outvote 

opium-eater 

outward-bound 

opium-habit 

outwit 

orange-blossom 

overalls 

Orangeman 

over-  anxious 

orange-peel 

overawe 

order-book 

overboard 

ordnance-office 

overcast 

ordnance-officer 

overcharge 

ore-deposit 

overcome 

organ-grinder 

over-confident 

organ-loft 

overestimate 

organ-pipe 

overflow 

orphan-asylum 

overgrown 

ostrich-farm 

overhead 

ostrich-feather 

overpower 

over-righteous 

overripe 

overseer 

overshadow 

overstep 

overtake 

overthrow 

overtime 

overvalue 

over-violent 

overweight 

ox-gall 

ox-hide 

oxidizing-furnace 

ox-team 

oyster-bank 

oyster-boat 

oyster-culture 

oyster  man 

oyster-rock 

ozone-paper 

packet-ship 

packhorse 

packing-case 

pack-load 

paddle-box 

paddle-wheel 

painstaking 

paint-brush 

palace-car 

pall-bearer 

palm-oil 

pampas-grass 

panel-picture 

panic-stricken 

paper-hanger 

paper-mill 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


191 


paper- shell 

paper-weight 

papier-mache 

parade-ground 

paraffin-oil 

parcel-post 

parchment-skin 

paring-machine 

parlor-car 

parlor-organ 

parole-arrest 

part-owner 

party-color 

party-man 

party-wall 

passage-money 

passageway 

passenger-car 

passenger-ship 

passenger-train 

passe-partout 

passer-by 

passion-play 

passport 

password 

pasteboard 

paste-pot 

past-perfect 

pastry-cook 

pasture-land 

patchwork 

patent-right 

patrolman 

pattern-wheel 

paving-stone 

paving-tile 

pawnbroker 


pawnshop 

pawn-ticket 

pay-inspector 

paymaster 

pay-roll 

peace-offering 

peace-officer 

pea-jacket 

pearl-fishery 

peat-bog 

pebble-stone 

pebbleware 

pell-mell 

pencil-compass 

pencil-drawing 

pencil- sketch 

penholder 

pennyweight 

penny-wise 

pepper-box 

peppercorn 

pepper-mill 

peppermint 

percussion-bullet 

percussion-cap 

percussion-gun 

percussion- 
powder 

perfecting-press 

perforating-ma- 
chine 

petroleum-car 

petroleum-still 

pewholder 

pew-rent 

phonograph 

piano-stool 


pickaxe 

picket-fence 

picket-guard 

picket-line 

pickpocket 

picture-gallery 

piecemeal 

piece-work 

pier-glass 

pigeon-fancier 

pigeonhole 

pigeon-house 

pig-iron 

pig-lead 

pig-metal 

pigskin 

pile-dam 

pile-driver 

pilework 

pilot-boat 

pilot-engine 

pilot-house 

pilot-light 

pince-nez 

pincushion 

pineapple 

pine-cone 

pine-knot 

pine-oil 

pin-head 

pin-point 

pipe-clay 

pipe-coupling 

pipe-covering 

pipe-cutter 

pipe-line 

pipe-organ 


192 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


pipe-stem 

pistachio-nut 

pistol-shot 

piston-head 

piston-pump 

piston-rod 

piston-valve 

piston-whistle 

pitch-black 

pitchfork 

pitfall 

pivot-gearing 

pivot-gun 

pivot-man 

plague-spot 

plain-dealer 

plainsman 

plaiting-machine 

plane-guide 

planer-vise 

planing-machine 

planing-mill 

plate-armor 

plate-glass 

plate-iron 

playbill 

playfellow 

playground 

playing-card 

plaything 

playwright 

play-writer 

pleasure-ground 

pleasure-trip 

plowing-machine 

plowshare 

plumb-level 


plumb-line 
plumb-rule 
plummet-level 
plunger-piston 
pocket-book 
pocketbooJc 
pocket-edition 
pocket-handker- 
chief 

pocket-knife 
pocket-pistol 
point-blank 
pointing-machine 
point-lace 
polarization- 
microscope 
pole-chain 
policeman 
policy-holder 
polishing-ma- 

chine 

polishing-powder 
polka-dot 
polling-booth 
poll-tax 
pontoon-bridge 
poor-farm 
poorhouse 
porcelain-cement 
porcelain-clay 
porte-bonheur 
porte-cochere 
portrait-painter 
postage-stamp 
postal-card 
post-card 
post-free 


post-haste 
postman 
postmark 
postmaster 
postmaster-gen- 
eral 

postmeridian 
post-mortem 
post-nuptial 
post-office 
post-paid 
post-trader 
pottery-ware 
poultry-farm 
poultry-yard 
pound-foolish 
pound-keeper 
pound-weight 
pourparler 
pousse-cafe 
poverty-stricken 
powder-flask 
powder-horn 
powder-magazine 
powder-mill 
powder-mine 
powder-puff 
power-house 
power-machine 
power-press 
praiseworthy 
prayer-book 
prayer-meeting 
present-perfect 
press-agent 
pressman 
press-mark 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


193 


press-proof 

pressroom 

pressure-bar 

pressure-gage 

presswork 

price-list 

price-tag 

prie-dieu 

priestcraft 

priming-machine 

priming-powder 

printing-house 

printing-ink 

printing-machine 

printing-office 

printing-press 

printing-tele- 
graph 

prison-bars 

prison-ship 

prison-van 

prize-court 

prize-fight 

prize-money 

produce-exchange 

produce-merchant 

profit-sharing 

proof-reader 

proof-sheet 

propeller-engine 

propeller-shaft 

propeller-wheel 

property-tax 

prose-writer 

proving-ground 

provision-mer- 
chant 


pruning-knife 
psalm-book 
pulley-block 
pulley-wheel 
pulp-engine 
pulp-mill 
pumice-stone 
pump-gear 
pump-handle 
pump-room 
pump-well 
punching-bag 
purse-proud 
pur  sing-block 
pursing-gear 
push-button 
putty-knife 
quadrant-com- 
pass 

quarry-faced 
quarrying-ma- 

chine 

quarryman 
quarry- slave 
quarter-back 
quarter-boat 
quarter-deck 
quartermaster 
quartermaster- 
general 
quarter-rail 
quarter-section 
quicklime 
quick-march 
quicksand 
quicksilver 
quickstep 


quilting-bee 

quilting-frame 

Quitclaim 

quotation-mark 

race-course 

race-horse 

race-track 

raceway 

rack-saw 

radius-saw 

raftsman 

ragman 

rag- shop 

rail-guard 

railroad 

rail- saw 

rail-splitter 

railway 

r  ail  way-cr  o  s  sing 

rail  way- switch 

railway-tie 

rainbow 

rain-drop 

rainfall 

rain-gage 

rain-maker 

rain-storm 

rain-water 

ramrod 

ramshackle 

range-lights 

rarebit 

rawhide 

razor-strop 

reading-desk 

ready-made 

reaming-iron 


194 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


reaping-machine 
rear-admiral 
receipt-book 
receiving-vault 
reception-room 
reclining-chair 
recreation- 
ground 

recruiting-party 
red-letter 
reed-instrument 
reed-organ 
reel-cotton 
refrigerating- 

chamber 
refrigerating- 

machine 
refrigerator-car 
register-office 
rendering-tank 
rent-free 
repair-shop 
request  pro- 
gramme 
requiem-mass 
rest-cure 
resting-place 
retort-house 
return-cargo 
return-ticket 
revenue-officer 
reversing-gear 
rib-bone 
rice-field 
rice-flour 
rice-mill 
rice-paper 


rice-plantation 

ridge-roof 

riding-habit 

riffraff 

rifle-ball 

rifleman 

rifle-range 

rifle-shot 

rigging-loft 

right-angled 

rinderpest 

ringleader 

ring-master 

rip-saw 

river-bottom 

river-craft 

riverside 

river-water 

friveting-machine 

riving-machine 

road-bed 

road-machine 

roadman 

road- survey  or 

roadway 

robe-de-chambre 

rock-bound 

rock-crowned 

rock-crystal 

rock-drill 

rocking-chair 

rock-oil 

rock-salt 

rod-iron 

rodman 

roller-mill 

roller-skate 


roller-towel 

rolling-mill 

rolling-pin 

roll-top 

roof-guard 

roof-tree 

room-mate 

root-beer 

rope-walker 

rose-bush 

rose-cut 

rose-water 

rosewood 

rouge-et-noir 

rough-dry 

rough-rider 

roughshod 

Roundhead 

roundhouse 

round-robin 

or 

roundrobin 
roivboat 
rowlock 
rubbish-heap 
rubble- stone 
rubble-work 
rudder-chain 
ruling-machine 
runabout 
runagate 
runaway 
rush-bottomed 
rush-candle 
rushlight 
rust-proof 
Sabbath-breaker 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


195 


Sabbath-school 

sachet-powder 

sackcloth 

sack-coat 

saddle-bag 

saddle-girth 

saddle-horse 

sad-iron 

safe-conduct 

safeguard 

safe-keeping 

safety-lamp 

safety-pin 

safety-razor 

safety-valve 

sage-green 

sago-palm 

sailboat 

sail-cloth 

sailing-master 

sailing-orders 

sailmaker 

saintlike 

salesman 

salesroom 

saleswoman 

salmon-fishing 

salt-box 

salt-cellar 

salt-rheum 

salt-water 

sample-card 

sandalwood 

sand-bank 

sand-bed 

sand-brake 

sand-drift 


sand-hill 

sandpaper 

sand-pump 

sandstone 

sand-storm 

sang-de-boeuf 

sang-froid 

sash-fastener 

sash-frame 

satin-finish 

satinwood 

saucepan 

savoir-faire 

savoir-vivre 

sawdust 

sawhorse 

sawmill 

saw-vise 

S-brake 

scalework 

scalping-knife 

scalp-lock 

scapegoat 

scapegrace 

scarecrow 

scarf-pin 

scene-painter 

scene-shifter 

scent-bottle 

school-board 

school-book 

school-boy 

schoolcraft 

school-days 

school-house 

schoolmaster 

schoolmate 


school-time 
scissors-grinder 
scoop-net 
scouring-machine 
scrap-book 
scrap-heap 
scrap-iron 
scrap-metal 
screech-owl 
screening-ma- 
chine 

screw-driver 
screw-wrench 
scroll-saw 
scrollwork 
scrubbing-board 
scrubbing-bru  sh 
scrub- oak 
scytheman 
sea-biscuit 
seaboard 
sea-breeze 
sea-captain 
sea-coast 
seafarer 
sea-foam 
sea-going 
sea-green 
sea-level 
sealing-wax 
seal-press 
seaman 

seaming-machine 
sea-monster 
seaport 
seascape 
sea-shore 


196 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


seasick 

seaside 

sea-wall 

second-class 

second-hand 

section-beam 

section-plane 

sedan-chair 

seed-crusher 

seed-drill 

seeding-machine 

seeding-plow 

seedsman 

seed-time 

see-saw 

self-absorbed 

self-command 

self-confidence 

self -contempt 

self-control 

self-culture 

self-deceit 

self-defense 

self-destruction 

self-esteem 

self-evident 

self-possession 

self-preservation 

self-protection 

self-reproach 

self-respect 

self-restraint 

self-sacrifice 

selfsame 

senate-chamber 

senate-house 

sense-perception 


sentry-box 

serpent-like 

servant-girl 

sevenfold 

seven-thirty 

sewer-basin 

sewer-gas 

sewer  man 

sewing-circle 

sewing-machine 

sewing-materials 

shadow-figure 

shadow-test 

shamefaced 

sharp-shooter 

shaving-brush 

shaving-cup 

shawl- strap 

sheaf-binder 

sheathing-paper 

sheath-knife 

sheep-cote 

sheepfold 

sheep-market 

sheep-pen 

sheep-shears 

sheepskin 

sheet-anchor 

sheet-iron 

sheet-lightning 

sheet-metal 

shell-fish 

shell-ice 

shellman 

shell-room 

shepherd-dog 

shingle-machine 


shingle-mill 

shingle-roofed 

ship-biscuit 

ship-builder 

shipmaster 

ship-owner 

shipping-bill 

shipping-clerk 

ship-railway 

shipwreck 

shipwright 

shipyard 

shirt-sleeve 

shirt-waist 

shoeblack 

smoke-stack 

smoking-car 

snail-pace 

snap-shooter 

sneak-thief 

snow-bound 

snow-drift 

snowfall 

snowflake 

snow-plow 

snow-shed 

snow-shoe 

snow- shovel 

snow-storm 

snuff-box 

so-and-so 

soap-bubble 

soap-fat 

soapstone 

soap-suds 

social-democratic 

socket-bayonet 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


197 


socket-wrench 

soda-biscuit 

soda-cracker 

soda-fountain   . 

soda-water 

sofa-pillow 

soft-shell 

soldering-furnace 

soldering-iron 

soldier-like 

solicitor-general 

somebody 

somehow 

somewhere 

son-in-law 

soothsayer 

sounding-board 

sounding-lead 

sounding-line 

sound-wave 

South-African 

South-American 

South-Carolinian 

southeast 

southwest 

sowing-machine 

space-line 

spalding-machine 

span-piece 

span-roof 

spar-deck 

spare-built 

sparerib 

spark-arrester 

spark-consumer 

speaking-machin  e 

speaking-trumpet 


speaking-tube 

speaking-voice 

spearman 

speechmaker 

speed-gage 

speed-indicator 

speed-pulley 

spellblind 

spellbound 

spelling-book 

spelling-match 

spendthrift 

sperm-oil 

spider-web 

spill-trough 

spillway 

spinning- jenny 

spinning-machine 

spinning-wheel 

spirit-lamp 

spirit-level 

spirit-world 

splint-bandage 

splitting-saw 

spokesman 

spool-cotton 

sportsman 

spraying-machine 

spray-nozzle 

spread-eagle 

spring-balance 

spring-bar 

spring-bed 

spring-board 

spring-flood 

shoe-blacking 

shoe-horn 


shoe-leather 

shoemaker 

shoe-string 

shooting-box 

shooting-gallery 

shooting- jacket 

shooting-star 

shop-girl 

shopkeeper 

shoplifter 

shore-line 

shoreman 

shortcake 

short-circuit 

short-coming 

shorthand 

shot-cartridge 

shot-gun 

shot-tower 

shoulder-blade 

shoulder-brace 

shoulder-strap 

show-bill 

show-case 

shower-bath 

showman 

shrimp-net 

shuttlecock 

sick-leave 

side-arms 

side-comb 

side-dish 

side-light 

sidelong 

side-saddle 

side-show 

side-table 


198 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


side-track 

side-view 

side-wheel 

siege-gun 

sight-bar 

sight-draft 

sight-reader 

sight-seeing 

signal-box 

signal-flag 

signal-gun 

signal-light 

signalman 

signal-officer 

signal-rocket 

signal-service 

signal-tower 

sign-board 

sign-post 

sign- symbol 

silk-culture 

silk-mill 

silk-weaver 

silkworm 

silvering-machine 

silver-plated 

silversmith 

silverware 

singing-school 

single-bar 

single-fire 

single-handed 

singsong 

sinking-fund 

siphon-pump 

sister-in-law 

six-shooter 


sixty-fourth 

skating-rink 

sketch-book 

skim-milk 

skin-deep 

skin-tight 

skipping-rope 

skirmish-line 

skullcap 

sky-blue 

sky-high 

skylight 

sky-line 

slabstone 

slate-pencil 

slaughter-house 

slave-born 

slaveholder 

slave-ship 

slave-trade 

sleeping-car 

sleeping-draught 

sleigh-bell 

sleigh-ride 

sling-stone 

slip-knot 

slippery-elm 

slip-shakle 

slipshod 

slip-stitch 

sluice-gate 

sluiceway 

small  arms 

smelling-salts 

smelting- furnace 

smelting-works 

smoke-condenser 


smoke-consumer 
smoke-jack 
spring-lock 
spring-mattress 
springtime 
spring-wagon 
spy-glass 
square-built 
stable-boy 
staff-captain 
staff-duty 
staff-officer 
stage-coach 
stage-direction 
stage-door 
stage-manager 
stage-whisper 
staircase 
stair-rod 
stake-boat 
stamp-collecting- 
stamping-ma- 
chine 

stamp-office 
stand-by 
standing-room 
stand-pipe 
standpoint 
standstill 
starboard 
star-chamber 
starlight 
starting-point 
starting-wheel 
statecraft 
state-house 
state-room 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


199 


states-general 

statesman 

station-house 

station-master 

statute-book 

staylace 

steadfast 

steamboat 

steam-boiler 

steam-cock 

steam-engine 

steam-gage 

steam-generator 

steam-governor 

steam-heat 

steam-launch 

steamship 

steam-yacht 

steel-engraving 

steel-ore 

steelware 

steelwork 

steel-works 

steeplechase 

steerageway 

steersman 

stem-winder 

stepbrother 

stepchild 

stepfather 

step-ladder 

stepmother 

step-parent 

stepping-stone 

stepsister 

stereotype-metal 

stern-board 


stern-port 

stern-sheets 

stern-wheeler 

sticking-plaster 

sticking-point 

still-hunt 

stirrup-leather 

stock-account 

stock-book 

stock-breeder 

stock-car 

stock-exchange 

stock-farm 

stock-holder 

stock-list 

stock-market 

stock-still 

stock-taking 

stock-yard 

stomach-pump 

stomach-tooth 

stone-crusher 

stone-cutter 

stone-dresser 

stone-engraving 

stone-hammer 

stone-mason 

stone-saw 

stone-shot 

stoneware 

stonework 

stone-works 

stone-yard 

stop-cock 

stop-over 

storehouse 

storekeeper 


store-ship 

storm-belt 

storm-door 

storm-sail 

storm-signal 

storm-zone 

story-book 

story-teller 

story-writer 

stovepipe 

stove-polish 

straightforward 

strait -jacket 

strawberry 

straw-color 

street-car 

street-door 

street-sprinkler 

string-band 

string-orchestra 

stronghold 

strong-minded 

stud-book 

stud-farm 

stumbling-block 

stump-puller 

subject-matter 

subject-object 

suction-pipe 

suction-pump 

suction-valve 

sugar-beet 

sugar-cane 

sugar-house 

sugar-kettle 

sugar-mill 

sugar-planter 


200 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


sugar-refinery 

sulky-cultivator 

sulky-plow 

sulphur-spring 

summer  day 

summer-house 

sun-bath 

sunbeam 

sunbonnet 

sunburn 

Sunday-school 

sun-dial 

sundown 

sunlight 

sun-ray 

sunrise 

sunset 

sun-worship 

supply-train 

sure-footed 

surface-car 

surface-water 

surf-boat 

surf  man 

surgeon-general 

swan  Vdown 

sweetmeat 

sweet- oil 

swimming-school 

switchboard 

switching-engine 

switchman 

switch- signal 

sword-belt 

sword-hilt 

swordman 

S-wrench 


sylph-like 

tabby-cat 

table-board 

table-land 

table-linen 

table-spoon 

tableware 

tack-hammer 

tailor-made 

talking-machine 

tallow  candle 

tallow-chandler 

tally-ho 

tallyman 

tank-engine 

tank-iron 

tape-line 

tape-measure 

target-firing 

tariff-ridden 

tar-oil 

taskmaster 

task-work 

tavern-keeper 

tax-gatherer 

taxpayer 

tax-sale 

T-bar 

T-cart 

tea-caddy 

tea-canister 

teacup 

tea-drinker 

tea-gown 

tea-house 

tea-party 

tea-pot 


tear-drop 

tear-duct 

tea-room 

tea-set 

teaspoon 

telegraph-cable 

telegraph-key 

telegraph-pole 

tennis-court 

tenpins 

tension-bar 

tension-rod 

tension-spring 

terra-cotta 

text-book 

thank-offering 

thanksgiving 

T-head 

theater-party 

themselves 

thereabouts 

thereby 

therefore 

T-hinge 

third-class 

thorough-bass 

thoroughbred 

thoroughfare 

thought-transfer 

ence 

thought-wave 
threshing-ma- 
threadbare 
threefold 
three-ply 
three-quarters 
threescore 


AND   BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


201 


chine 

thumb-mark 
thumb-piece 
thumb- screw 
thunderbolt 
thunderclap 
thunder-cloud 
thunder- shower 
thunder-storm 
thunderstruck 
ticket-holder 
tide-gage 
tide-gate 
tide-mark 
tide-table 
tide-water 
tide-wave 
tile-drain 
tile-kiln 
tile-machine 
tile-ore 
tilestone 
tile-works 
timber-line 
timberman 
timber-yard 
time-book 
time-card 
time-fuse 
time-honored 
timekeeper 
timepiece 
time-table 
tinder-box 
tin-foil 
tinman 
tin-shop 


tinsmith 

tintype 

tinware 

tin-works 

tiptoe 

T-iron 

tissue-paper 

titbit 

title-deed 

title-page 

T- joint 

toadstool 

to-and-fro 

toast-master 

tobacco-pipe 

tobacco-plant 

to-day 

or 

today 
toilet-set 
toilet-soap 
toll-bridge 
toll-gate 
toll-gatherer 
to-morrow 

or 

tomorrow 
tombstone 
tongue-tied 
to-night 

or 

tonight 
tool-chest 
toothache 
toothpick 
tooth-powder 
topaz-rock 


top-drain 
topgallant 
topgallant- 
shrouds 
top-heavy 
topknot 
topmast 

topmast-shrouds 
topsail 
topsail-yard 
topsyturvy 
torch-light 
torpedo-boat 
torpedo-net 
torpedo-school 
tortoise-shell 
touchstone 
tower-clock 
tow-line 
townfolk 
town-meeting 
town-talk 
toy-shop 
T-panel 
T-plate 
tracing-lines 
tracing-machine 
tracing-wheel 
trackmaster 
traction-engine 
traction-wheel 
trade-mark 
trade-name 
tradesfolk 
tradesman 
trade-union 
trade-unionism 


202 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


trade- wind 

traffic-manager 

T-rail 

training-school 

training-ship 

trainman 

tram-car 

tramway 

transfer-book 

transfer-resist- 
ance 

transf  erring-ma- 
chine 

transfer-work 

transformation- 
scene 

transom- window 

transport- ship 

trap-door 

travelingbag 

treadmill 

treadwheel 

treasure-house 

treasure-trove 

trial-trip 

tribesman 

tribute-money 

trip-hammer 

troop-horse 

troop-ship 

truck-farm 

truckman 

trump-card 

trumpet-call 

trumpet-major 

trunk-line 

trustworthy 


T-square 

tuning-fork 

tunnel-shaft 

turfman 

turning-point 

turn-table 

turret-ship 

twelve-score 

twenty- second 

twin-pair 

twofold 

two-ply 

type-foundry 

type-gage  ^ 

type-matrix 

type-metal 

type-mold 

typesetter 

typewrite 

typewriter 

typewriting 

typo-etching 

U-bolt 

umbrella-stand 

underbid 

underbrush 

under-clerkship 

underclothing 

undercurrent 

underestimate 

underfoot 

undergo 

under-grade 

undergraduate 

underground 

underhand 

underlie 


underpay 

underproduction 

underrate 

underscore 

under- secretary 

under-  sheriff 

undersized 

understand 

understratum 

understudy 

under-tenant 

undertow 

up-country 

uphold 

uplift 

upright 

uproar 

uproot^ 

up-stairs 

upstream 

up-stream 

up-street 

up-town 

upturn 

urn- shaped 

utility-man 

U-tube 

vaccine-point 

vacuum-brake 

vacuum-pan 

vacuum-tube 

vacuum-valve 

vainglory 

valve-cock 

valve-gear 

vanguard 

vanilla-bean 


AND    BUSINESS    ENGLISH 


203 


vantage-ground 

vapor-bath 

vapor-engine 

vapor-lamp 

variety- show 

V-bob 

ventilating  heater 

vent-pipe 

vertigris-green 

verse-maker 

vestry  board 

vestryman 

V-hook 

vice-admiral 

vice-chairman 

vice-chancellor 

vice-consul 

vicegerent 

vice-president 

viceregal 

vice-regent 

viceroyalty 

vine-culture 

vinegar-cruet 

vineyard 

vis-a-vis 

visiting-card 

volley-gun 

volute-compass 

vortex-motion 

V-point 

wage-earner 

wagon-load 

wagon-tongue 

wagonwright 

wainscot-panel 

wainwright 


waiting-room 

wall-paper 

walnut-oil 

warcraft 

war-cry 

wardrobe 

ward-room 

warehouseman 

wareroom 

warfare 

war-flame 

war-horse 

warm-blooded 

war-office 

war-paint 

war-path 

war-ship 

war-song 

war-tax 

wash-board 

wash-boiler 

washerwoman 

washing-machine 

washing-powder 

washout 

waste-basket 

waste-pipe 

waste-preventer 

watch-dog 

watch-fire 

watch-guard 

watchmaker 

watch-tower 

watchword 

water-back 

water-barometer 

water-bound 


water-carrier 

water-color 

water-cooler 

watercourse 

water-cress 

water-cure 

waterfall 

water-gage 

watering-can 

watering-trough 

water-line 

watermelon 

water-mill 

water-proof 

or 

waterproof 
water-route 
watershed 
water-tax 
waterway 
water-wheel 
waterworks 
wave-line 
wax-doll 
waxwork 
way-bill 
wayfarer 
waylay 

way-passenger 
way-post 
wayside 
way-station 
wearing-apparel 
weather-bound 
weathercock 
weather-gage 
weather-report 


204 


CORRECT  BUSINESS  LETTER  WRITING 


weather- service 

weather-sign 

weather-strip 

weather-vane 

weather-worn 

wedding-cake 

wedding-cards 

wedding-ring 

wedge-shaped 

wedlock 

week-day 

weighing-machine 

well-being 

well-drill 

well-house 

well-water 

Welshman 

whale-boat 

whalebone 

whale-oil 

whaling- station 

wharf-boat 

wharf  man 

wheat-field 

wheat-rust 

wheelbarrow 

wheel-house 

wheelman 

wheel-race 

wheelwright 

whencesoever 

whenever 

whereas 

whereby 

whereof 

wheresoever 

whereupon 


whetstone 

whip-cord 

whipping-post 

whip-saw 

whip-socket 

whirlpool 

whirlwind 

whist-player 

whitewash 

wholesale 

whooping-cough 

wickerwork 

wicket-gate 

wide-awake 

wide-spread 

wild-fire 

willy-nilly 

windbound 

windfall 

winding-sheet 

winding-tackle 

wind-instrument 

windmill 

window-pane 

window- seat 

windpipe 

wind-storm 

windward 

wine-glass 

wineglassful 

wine-merchant 

wireman 

wirework 

wiseacre 

wishing-rod 

ivitchcraft 

witch-hazel 


witness-box 

witness-stand 

womankind 

womanlike 

wood-alcohol 

wood-anemone 

wood-awl 

wood-hewer 

woodland 

woodman 

wood-paper 

woodpile 

wood-sawyer 

wood-shed 

woodsman 

woodwork 

word-painter 

word-picture 

work-basket 

workhouse 

working-class 

working-man 

workman 

workroom 

workshop 

work-table 

world-old 

world-wide 

worm-eaten 

wormwood 

worn-out 

wrecking-car 

wrecking-pump 

wristband 

wrist-bone 

writing-desk 

writing-machine 


AND   BUSINESS   ENGLISH  205 

writing-paper  yard-tackle  Y-track 

wrong-doer  Y-cross  Yule-tide 

wrought-iron  year-book  Z-crank 

yacht-club  yeast-powder  zebra-wood 

yachtsman  yellow- jack  zenith-distance 

yardman  Y-level  zenith-telescope 

yard-measure  yokefellow  Zouave-jacket 

yard-rope  yoke-mate 


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By  JOSEPHINE  TURCK  BAKER 


INDISPENSABLE 

To  any  one  who  wishes  to  master  the  rules  and  principles 

of  Grammar,  together  with  their  APPLICATION 

in  CONVERSATION  and  in  WRITING 

This  book  is  not  only  for  the  student  and  the  teacher  of 
Grammar,  but  also  for  everybody  who  wishes  to  use  Correct 
English :  the  mother  in  the  home,  the  club-woman,  the  business 
man  or  woman,  the  stenographer,  the  author,  the  lawyer,  the 
minister,  the  doctor,  etc.  In  addition  to  its  being  a  Complete 
Grammar,  it  also  contains  a  complete  exposition  of  following : 

Punctuation  and  Capitalization 


The  Grammar  of  the 
English  Language 

Parts  oi  Speech 

The  Sentence 

The  Noun 

The  Pronoun 

The  Adjective 

Reference  Department 

Formation  ol  the  Plural 
of  Proper  Nouns 

Irregular  Plurals 

Collective  Nouns 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 

The  Verb 

The  Gerund  or  Verbal 

Noun 

The  Infinitive 
The  Complement 
Concord  of  Subject  and 

Verb 

Geographical  Names 
Verbs 
Shall  and  Will;  How  to 

Use  them 
The  Infinitive  Mode 


Concord  of  Tenses 
Concord  of  Auxiliary 

and  Verb 
The  Adverb 
The  Preposition 
The  Conjunction 
The  Interjection 
Should  and  Would. 
May  and  Might: 

How  to  Use  Them 
"As"  and  Its  Uses 
Exercises  Department 


Bound  in  Cloth;  size  5^x7M,  363  paves.    Postpaid,  $1.25 


What  an  Educator  Says  of  Our  New  Text  Book, 
Correct  English:  A  Complete  Grammar 

"In  my  judgment  it  is  UNEXCELLED.  It  should  find  a 
place  in  every  school  in  the  United  States  as  well  as  in  EVERY 
HOME.  Thankfully  yours 

JOHN  W.  FLESHER,  PH.  D.,  D.  C  L 


CORRECT  ENGLISH  PUBLISHING  CO. 

Evanston,  Illinois. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 

Return  to  desk  from  which  borrowed. 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


MAY  id 


88*5    19530 


25Feb'57JG 
REC'D  LC 

FEBI1 


LD  21-100m-9,'47(A5702sl6)476 


REC'D  LD 

3  i  1C57 


REC'D  LD 

i       : 
*  9 1978 


18492 


384597 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


